"Paul, I'm with a customer. Someone you should meet," Kara says, trying to defuse the antagonism she sees in Luthor's expression. She drags Paul over to meet her, and the atmosphere is suddenly arctic. "Er, Paul, this is Lena Luthor. Ms. Luthor, this is Paul Clayton. His brother owns the place." And for some irrational reason, Kara feels that she has to explain a bit more. "I've known Paul ever since I've worked here, though we don't see each other that often." Stop—stop now!
"Mr. Clayton." Luthor holds her hand out, her look unreadable.
"Ms. Luthor." Paul returns the handshake. "Wait up—not the Lena Luthor? Of L-Corp?" Paul goes from surly to awestruck in less than a nanosecond. Luthor gives him a polite smile that doesn't reach her eyes. "Wow—is there anything I can get you?"
"Kara has it covered, Mr. Clayton. She's been very attentive." Her expression is impassive, but her words … it's like she's saying something else entirely. It's baffling.
"Cool," Paul responds. "Catch you later, Kara."
"Sure, Paul." Then he disappears toward the stockroom. "Anything else, Ms. Luthor?"
"Just these items." Her tone is clipped and cool. Taking a deep breath, she turns and heads for the register. What is her problem?
"That will be forty-three dollars, please." Kara glances up at Lena, and wishes she hadn't. She's watching her closely, intently. It's unnerving. "Would you like a bag?" She asks, taking her credit card.
"Please, Kara." Her tongue caresses the blonde's name, and her heart once again is frantic. Hurriedly, she places Lena's purchases in a plastic bag.
"You'll call me if you want me to do the photo shoot?" She's all business once more. Kara nods, rendered speechless yet again. "Good. Until tomorrow, perhaps." She turns to leave, then pauses. "Oh—and Kara, I'm glad the other Danvers couldn't do the interview." She smiles, then strides with renewed purpose out of the store, leaving Kara a quivering mass of raging female hormones.
Kara releases a sigh when Lena Luthor is out of sight. It was just a coincidence, her coming to the store. But still, she can dream of Lena coming to Midvale—and to Clayton's—only to see her. No harm can come of that. And if she finds a photographer, she can do some serious admiring tomorrow. Kara bites her lip in anticipation and finds herself grinning like a schoolgirl. She needs to phone Alex and organize a photo shoot.
x x x
Alex is ecstatic.
"But what was she doing at Clayton's?" Her curiosity oozes through the phone.
"She was in the area."
"I think that is one huge coincidence, Kara. You don't think she was there to see you?" Kara's heart lurches at the prospect, but it's a short-lived joy. The dull, disappointing reality is that Lena Luthor was there on business.
"So do you want these photos?"
"Of course I do. The question is, who's going to do them and where."
"We could ask her where. She says she's staying in the area."
"You can contact her?"
"I have her cell phone number."
Alex gasps.
"The richest, most elusive, most enigmatic bachelor girl in National City just gave you her cell phone number?"
"Er … yes?"
"Kara! She likes you. No doubt about it. I can't tell if she likes you only as a friend or if she wants more, but she likes you indeed."
"Alex, she's just trying to be nice." But even as she says the words, she knows they're not true—Lena Luthor doesn't do nice. She does polite, maybe. And a small, quiet voice whispers, Perhaps Alex is right. Kara's scalp prickles at the idea that maybe, just maybe, she might like her. After all, she did say she was glad Alex didn't do the interview.
Alex brings her back to the now.
"I don't know who we'll get to do the shoot. Our regular photographer, can't. He's gone home for the weekend. He'll be pissed that he blew an opportunity to photograph one of America's leading entrepreneurs."
"Hmm … What about James?"
"Great idea! You ask him—he'll do anything for you. Then call Luthor and find out where she wants us." Alex is irritatingly cavalier about James.
"I think you should call her."
"Who, James?" Alex scoffs.
"No, her, Lena."
"Kara, you're the one with the relationship."
"Relationship?" The blonde squeaks, her voice rising several octaves. "I barely know her."
"At least you've met her," she says bitterly. "And it looks like she wants to know you better. Kara, just call her," she snaps and hangs up. She is so bossy sometimes.
Kara frowns at her cell, sticking her tongue out at it.
x x x
Later at Alex and Kara's apartment.
"BUT I DO PLACES, Kara, not people," James groans through the phone.
"James, please?" Kara begs.
"Give me that phone." Alex grabs the handset from Kara. "Listen here, James Olsen, if you want to keep your nose in place, you'll do this shoot for us tomorrow, capiche?" Alex can be awesomely tough. "Good. Kara will call back with the location and the call time. We'll see you tomorrow." She snaps the cell phone off. "Sorted. All we need to do now is decide where and when. Call her." She holds the phone out to the blonde, and Kara's stomach twists. "Call Luthor, now!"
She scowls at Alex and reaches into her back pocket for Lena's business card. She takes a deep, steadying breath, and with shaking fingers, she dials the number.
Lena answers on the second ring. Her tone is clipped, calm, and cold.
"Luthor."
"Er … Ms. Luthor? It's Kara Danvers." She doesn't recognize her own voice, so nervous.
There's a brief pause.
"Miss Danvers. How nice to hear from you." Lena's voice has changed. She's surprised, Kara thinks, and she sounds so … warm—seductive even. Kara flushes, and is suddenly conscious that Alex Danvers is staring at her, mouth open.
"Um—we'd like to go ahead with the photo shoot for the article. Tomorrow, if that's okay. Where would be convenient for you?"
"I'm staying at the hotel close to the university. Shall we say nine thirty tomorrow morning?"
"Okay, we'll see you there."
"I look forward to it, Miss Danvers." Kara visualizes the wicked gleam in Lena's eyes. How can she make seven little words hold so much tantalizing promise?
Kara hangs up. Alex is in the kitchen, and she's staring at her with a look of complete and utter consternation on her face.
"Kara Danvers ... You like her! You like Lena Luthor! I've never seen or heard you so … so … affected by anyone before. You're actually blushing."
"Oh, Alex, you know I blush all the time. It's an occupational hazard with me. Don't be ridiculous," she snaps, and Alex blinks at her with surprise. "I just find her … intimidating, that's all."
"Kara," The blonde recognizes that tone—here comes a pep talk. "I've known you since we were kids. I'm like your sister, I know everything about you, and I can swear to God I've never seen you like this. You do blush all the time, yeah, but not when you're talking to a woman over the phone." Alex sighs. "Is that the problem? You won't admit that you might like her because she's a woman?"
"No."
"Then why is it?!"
"You said you know everything about me," Kara mutters, and Alex nods. If there is someone who knows Kara Danvers like the back of their hand, that's Alex. "Then you'd know I'm confused right now. I've never feel this amount of ... attraction towards a woman before."
"I know, I know, but that would explain why you never wanted a boyfriend. Maybe you were just waiting for a girlfriend instead. Makes sense, doesn't it?"
Alex has given her something to think about for the rest of the night.
"Maybe."
x x x
James, Travis, Alex and Kara are traveling in Travis' dad's suburban with everything needed for the photo shoot. Travis is James' friend and gopher, there to help out with the lighting.
It's nine when they arrive to the hotel, so they will have half an hour to set up. Alex is in full flow.
"James, I think we'll shoot against that wall, do you agree?" She doesn't wait for his reply. "Travis, clear the chairs. Kara, could you ask housekeeping to bring up some refreshments? And let Luthor know where we are."
Yes, mistress. She is so domineering. Kara rolls her eyes but does as Alex says.
Half an hour later, Lena Luthor walks into the suite where everything is already settled.
She's wearing a white shirt, open at the collar, and black flannel pants that suits her blazer. Her hair's in a messy bun. Kara's mouth goes dry looking at her … She's so freaking hot. Lena is followed into the suite by a man in his mid-thirties, all buzz cut and stubble in a sharp dark suit and tie who stands silently in the corner, watching impassively.
"It's good to see you again, Miss Danvers." Luthor extends her hand, and Kara shakes it, blinking rapidly. As their hands touch, the blonde is aware of that delicious current running right through her, lighting her up and making her blush.
"Ms. Luthor, this is Alex Danvers," Kara mutters, waving a hand towards Alex, who comes forward, looking at Lena squarely in the eye.
"The tenacious Miss Danvers. It's good to meet you at last." She gives Alex a small smile, looking genuinely amused. "I trust you're feeling better? Kara said you were unwell last week."
"I'm fine, thank you, Ms. Luthor." Alex shakes her hand firmly without batting an eyelid. "Thank you for taking the time to do this." She gives her a polite, professional smile.
"It's a pleasure," Lena answers, turning her gaze on Kara, and the blonde flushes again.
"This is James Olsen, our photographer," Kara then says, grinning at James, who smiles with affection back at her. His eyes cool when he looks from her to Lena Luthor.
"Ms. Luthor." He nods.
"Mr. Olsen." Luthor's expression changes, too, as she appraises James. "Where would you like me?" Lena asks him, and he blushes.
"Ms. Luthor—if you could sit here, please?" Alex is the one to respond. "Be careful of the lighting cables. And then we'll do a few standing, too." She directs her to a chair set up against the wall.
Travis switches on the lights, momentarily blinding Lena who baths her eyelashes. Then Travis and Kara stand back and watch as James proceeds to snap away. He takes several photographs handheld, asking Lena to turn this way, then that, to move her arm, then put it down again. When Lena stands up, puts her hand on the pockets of her blazer and turns to one side, he takes several more. She's a perfect model. Serious, cool, and gorgeous.
"I think we have enough," James announces five minutes later.
"Great," says Alex. "Thank you again, Ms. Luthor." She shakes her hand, as does James.
"I look forward to reading the article," Lena murmurs to Alex, she nods, then turns to Kara. "Will you walk with me, Miss Danvers?" she asks.
"Sure," Kara replies, glancing anxiously at Alex, who just shrugs.
"Good day to you all," says Luthor as she opens the door, standing aside to allow Kara out first. "I'll call you, Taylor," she murmurs to Buzz Cut. Taylor wanders back down the corridor, and Lena turns her burning green gaze to Kara. "I wondered if you would join me for coffee this morning."
Kara's heart slams into her mouth. A date? Lena Luthor is asking her on a date? No, she's asking if you want a coffee. Maybe she thinks you haven't woken up yet, her subconscious whines at her in a sneering mood again.
She clears her throat, trying to control her nerves.
"Um—Ms. Luthor, I ... I don't think—"
"Please, Kara. It's just coffee." Lena smiles a dazzling, unguarded, natural, all-teeth-showing, glorious smile. So charming. How could you say no?
"Right. Um. I should—I'll tell Alex I'm not going back with them."
Lena then opens the door of the suite so Kara can go in, finding Alex in deep discussion with James.
"Lena Luthor has asked me to go for coffee with her," Kara mumbles to Alex in a breath, and the short haired girl just blinks.
"Kara, I think she definitely likes you," she says with no preamble whatsoever. James glares at them with surprise and disapproval. "But I don't trust her," Alex adds. She grabs Kara by the arm and drags her into the bedroom that's off the living area of the suite. "Kara, there's something about her." Alex's tone is full of warning. "She's gorgeous, I agree, but I think she's dangerous. Especially for someone like you."
"What do you mean, someone like me?" Kara demands.
"An innocent like you, Kara. You know what I mean," she says a little irritated.
"It's just coffee, Alex. And if I remember well, you were the one trying to make me admit that I liked her."
"So you're admiting that you like her?"
"I'm going now, Alex." She hugs her, refusing to give a response to that question. Not yet.
"Don't be long," Alex mutters, "or I'll send out search and rescue."
"Bye, Alex."
Kara emerges from the suite to find Lena Luthor waiting, leaning up against the wall, looking like a model again. Life is not a photo shoot, Kara wants to tell her.
"Okay, let's do coffee," she murmurs, flushing a beet red.
Lena grins.
"After you, Miss Danvers." She stands up straight, holding her hand out for Kara to go first. She makes her way down the corridor, her knees shaky, stomach full of butterflies, and her heart is in her mouth thumping a dramatic, uneven beat.
They walk together down the wide hotel corridor to the elevators.
"Is Alex Danvers your older sister?"
An easy question for starters, Kara thinks.
"Yeah. Well. We're not blood related, but she and her family have been taking care of me since I was thirteen. We're very close to each other."
"Hmm," she replies noncommittally.
At the elevators, she presses the call button, and the bell rings almost immediately. The doors slide open, revealing a young couple in a passionate embrace inside. Surprised and embarrassed, they jump apart, staring guiltily in every direction. Kara and Lena step into the elevator.
Soon the doors open again and, much to Kara's surprise, Lena takes her hand, clasping it with her long, cool fingers. Kara feels the current run through her, and her heartbeat accelerates. As Luthor leads her out of the elevator, they can hear the suppressed giggles of the couple erupting behind them. Lena grins again.
"What is it about elevators?" she mutters.
Outside, the sun is shining and the traffic is light. Lena turns left and strolls to the corner, where they wait for the crosswalk to change. She's still holding Kara's hand.
She's in the street, and Lena Luthor is holding her hand.
They walk four blocks before they reach the Coffee House, where Luthor releases Kara to hold the door open so she can step inside.
"Why don't you choose a table while I get the drinks? What would you like?" she asks, polite as ever.
"I'll have … um—Eiskaffee?" Lena raises her eyebrows. "What?"
"Nothing. That's really sweet." And Kara blushes for a moment, stunned, but fortunately her subconscious kicks in with pursed lips. She's talking about the drink. "Anything to eat?"
"No thank you." Kara shakes her head, and Lena heads to the counter.
She surreptitiously gazes at Lena from beneath her lashes as she stands in line waiting to be served. She could watch her all day … Once or twice she runs her long, graceful fingers through her hair to force some dark locks back in place. I'd like to do that, Kara thinks. The thought comes unbidden into her mind, and her face flames. She bites her lip and stares down at her hands.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Lena is back, startling her.
I was just thinking about running my fingers through your hair and wondering if it would feel soft to touch. She shakes her head. Lena sits opposite her and crosses her legs. She looks so comfortable, so at ease with her body.
"Your thoughts?" she prompts.
"This is my favorite." Her voice is quiet, breathy. She simply cannot believe she's sitting opposite Lena Luthor in a coffee shop in Midvale. Lena frowns and cocks her head, gazing quizzically at Kara. "I really like sweet things," she mutter as an explanation.
"I see. Is he your boyfriend?"
Whoa … What?
"Who?"
"The photographer. James Olsen."
Kara laughs, nervous but curious.
"No. James is a good friend of mine, that's all. Why did you think he was my boyfriend?"
"The way you smiled at him, and he at you. It was ... sweet."
"He's more like family."
Lena nods, seemingly satisfied with Kara's response, and glances down at the blueberry muffin she had brought along with the drinks.
"Do you want some?" she asks, and that amused, secret smile is back.
"No thanks." Kara frowns. It isn't normal of her to say no when it comes to food.
"And the boy I met yesterday, at the store. He's not your boyfriend?"
"No. Paul's just a friend. I told you." Oh, this is getting silly. "Why do you ask?"
"You seem nervous around men."
"I'm more nervous around you," Kara blurts out and she flushes scarlet.
"And why is that?" The blonde cannot tell if Lena is amused or curious. Or both.
"I find you intimidating."
"You should find me intimidating." She nods. "You're very honest. Please don't look down, I like to see your face." Kara glances at Lena, and she gives her an encouraging but wry smile. "It gives me some sort of clue what you might be thinking," she breathes. "You're a mystery, Miss Danvers."
"There's nothing mysterious about me."
"I think you're very self-contained," she murmurs. "Except when you blush, of course, which is often. I just wish I knew what you were blushing about." She pops a small piece of muffin into her mouth and starts to chew it slowly, not taking her eyes off Kara. And as if on cue, she blushes.
"Do you always make such personal observations?"
"I hadn't realized I was. Have I offended you?" She sounds surprised.
"No."
"Good."
"But you're very high-handed."
Lena raises her eyebrows and, if Kara's not mistaken, flushes slightly, too.
"I'm used to getting my own way, Kara," she murmurs. "In all things."
"I don't doubt it. Why haven't you asked me to call you by your first name?" Kara is surprised by her own audacity. The conversation has become serious and this isn't going the way she thought it was going to go.
"The only people who use my given name are my family and a few close friends. That's the way I like it."
She still hasn't said, "Call me Lena". She is a control freak, there's no other explanation, and part of Kara is thinking maybe it would have been better if Alex had interviewed her. Two control freaks together.
"Tell me about your parents."
She keeps changing directions.
Kara knows she can refuse to give a response to that question, but for some reason, she doesn't.
"They died when I was thirteen."
"Is Danvers your birth last name?"
"No. But the Danvers legally adopted me after what happened. The only relative I had left was a cousin, but he couldn't take care of me then."
"I understand. Alex Danvers seems overly protective when it comes to you. Am I right?"
"Yes."
"Are her parents protective, too?"
"Yes."
Lena frowns.
"You're not giving much away, are you?" she says dryly, rubbing her chin as if in deep thought.
"Neither are you."
"You've interviewed me once already, and I can recollect some quite probing questions then." She smirks.
Kara is almost sure Lena's remembering the "lesbian" question. Once again, the blonde is mortified.
"Fair enough. What else would you like to know? You can ask me anything, but I'll decide what to reply."
"Fair enough," Luthor nods. "Do you get along with your step-parents?"
"Very much, yes. They're a lovely family," Kara smiles at the thought. She misses her mom and dad a lot, but the Danvers certainly have known how to make her happy despite of her loss, and she cannot be more thankful. "Tell me more about your family," she adds, tempting her luck.
Lena shrugs.
"My father was a lawyer, my mother is a doctor, and her current husband is chief of the Police Department in Metropolis. They live there."
"Siblings?"
"Lex is the only biological. He's in prison now. Maggie is the daughter of my mother's husband." Her eyes cloud with irritation. She doesn't want to talk about her family or herself.
"Mmm," Kara murmurs.