Chapter 20
At the Gallery
"Lois, that dress is amazing! But, I thought you'd planned on wearing the silver dress. What happened?"
"Clark and I went shopping today and found this one."
"Clark went dress shopping? And bought you a dress?"
"Yeah, what's that look for? Is it so odd for him to do that?"
"I'm gonna have to go with yeah on this one."
"He's never taken me shopping before? Is he a cheapskate?"
"No, but he's practical. He's not the type to spend money on a new dress when you have half-a-dozen in your closet that are perfectly fine."
"My other dresses weren't modest."
"Hah! What you are hiding on the front of that dress you're making up for in the cleavage showing on the back. What the real reason? Did he lose a bet? Did you have a fight?"
"Oh, alright! Clark and I thought it would be better if I wore something that covered my chest and neck because I have lovebites and make-up wouldn't conceal them. Satisfied?"
Chloe was rendered speechless by this revelation. Could Jimmy be right about them?"
She didn't have long to consider the matter. She was pulled from her thoughts by a Lois' next question.
"Chlo, do you know if Clark snores?"
"Um, no. I mean I don't know if he snores. Why would I know that? Why do you ask?"
"Clark told me that he snored and that it bothers me and that her sleeps on the couch."
"And you think he lied about it?"
"I know he lied to me about something—I'm just not sure what. For all I know he really does snore. I've never heard him but then again, we havn't slept in the same bed and other times when I have seen him sleeping he was slumped in a chair. Maybe people with a snoring problem only snore lying down. So, yeah, maybe he really does snore."
"Okay, so what's the problem?"
"He's hiding something. His body language just told me he was lying. And I can't believe I'm the kind of person that would kick my husband out of bed for snoring. When I questioned him about why this wasn't discussed before we got married he told me 'it never came up before we were already married.' I asked him if he knew about this snoring before and he said "who would be able to tell me that?" Chloe, is he saying what I think he's saying?"
"I . . .uh…hmmmm . . I have no idea Lois. He is my friend, but he's pretty private about things like that."
But you've known him a long time. From what you know of him, could what he told me have been true? Is it possible that I was his first?"
"It's possible. He didn't date much in high school, he was always so hung up on Lana. If you weren't the first, then Lana is likely the only other. Why does it matter?"
"It doesn't matter to me, but it explains things."
Chloe gave her a questioning look, "explains what things?"
"His awkwardness about intimacy--I think he's just uncomfortable because it is all new to him, and maybe that's why he lied about the snoring."
"So, you're not mad bout him lying to you?"
"Of course not. I think it's sweet. I'm just going to have to help him overcome it."
Lionel Luthor strode across the crowded reception area toward Clark. He placed his hand on Clarks' shoulder while extending his other hand.
"Clark, I believe congratulations are in order."
"How's that?"
"I'm speaking of your nuptials to Ms. Lane.
"Mr. Luth—"
"Don't worry, you're secret is safe with me. Martha filled me in on everything. Although, I do think you're swimming in rough waters, my boy."
"What makes you say that?"
"I overheard Ms. Lang on the phone with her Aunt. She was quite upset.
It seems that she was at the formal shop this afternoon and overheard a very intimate exchange between you and Ms. Lane, while she was in an adjacent dressing room."
"I can explain—"
"You needn't explain to me, Clark. After all, you're a healthy young man and Lois is not without her . . . charms, shall we say?"
"It's not like that."
"All right, all right." He pursed his lips in thought. "I know you like to play the gallant. I am just telling you that you need to be careful. If Lana decides that she is going to investigate this matter further, and if she were to find some inconsistencies, it might leak out to the press. She has limitless resources at her command now."
"I don't owe her anything."
"I couldn't agree more. However, she may not see it that way. It wouldn't do to have Martha's name associated with any scandal. Consider what would happen to her career if it were to leak that your marriage is a sham."
Clarks' nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply. His jaw set firmly.
"What do you want?"
"Don't take a posture with me son, I'm on your side. I am just advising you that you need to get a handle on this thing, before it spins any farther out of control."
"Then what is it you're suggesting? That I falsify records?"
"I wouldn't dream of suggesting that."
"Then, what exactly?"
"At the very least, let me call in a neurologist for a consultation on Lois' case. Perhaps he could give us a better time line."
"Why are you doing this?"
"I value the friendship that I have with your mother. I am looking out for her reputation, nothing more.
Clark considered what Lionel was saying. He took another swallow of his drink as her eyed Lionel thoughtfully.
"And if that doesn't work, what's the "B" plan?"
"If all else fails, you may just have to marry the girl." Clark stood there, rooted to the floor, shocked into stunned silence by what Lionel had just suggested.
"Ah, here comes your lovely bride now. Mrs. Kent, you look absolutely stunning in that gown. If you weren't already taken I might try and woo you myself, so that I might be the envy of every man present tonight."
Lois graciously accepted Lionel's compliment as she slid her hand into the crook of Clark's arm. "You flatter me, Mr. Luthor. I hope you don't mind if I steal my husband away for a dance, do you?"
Clark drained his glass and set it down and guided Lois onto the dance floor.
"My gut still tells me not to trust him."
"Smart girl. Though, he is right about one thing."
"Oh? What's that?"
"You do look stunning."
Her cheeks flushed under his compliment, and as she smiled up at him, she pressed her lips against his in a gentle, chaste kiss.
