Chapter 23

A week later, the excitement had not died down about Senator Jergens. He had been arrested along with four other top government aides, and impeachment proceedings had already started since he was refusing to give up his seat.

The writing team of Lane and Kent had made national television news for breaking the story as the week wore on and all the ramifications that it had led to came to light. Issues such as illicit teen prostitution that bordered on slavery became a new focus for follow-ups, and with such intriguing side stories involving internationally wanted hitmen, it was definitely the blockbuster Perry White had wanted for sales. The whole attitude around the Daily Planet had been affected. The great metropolitan newspaper was getting back much of the gloss it had lost under the ownership of the Luthors.

Clark and Lois were settling into a routine of sorts in their writing, just as they had in the basement, but the atmosphere was a little different. Clark couldn't put his finger on it, but not having an audience seemed to lessen the need for Lois to take the upper hand in things. At least, that's what he thought was causing it. He had no idea that his own actions had subtly changed, and Lois was just responding to his new demeanor.

He still thought Oliver was wrong about Lois until the day when she asked him, out of the blue, to come over for dinner. They'd gone out to dinner once or twice a week and he'd gone over for pizza and a movie on occasion, but this was different somehow.

"You will, won't you? At seven? You can't be late either, Clark. That's important."

"Yes, Lois, I'll come. But what's so important about the time? What are you planning?" He was definitely suspicious and he let it show in his voice. She had a tendency to make people that way at times. But it wasn't anywhere near his birthday, so a surprise party was out, and he couldn't think of another reason why the time would be so critical, so he was at a loss about it all.

"Just a surprise, that's all."

"Should I bring anything? Pick up Chinese, Pizza, a DVD?"

"No, no. Just you. That's all." She looked at the time, which was only nearing noon. "I have to go. You will be there?" She looked at him intently, expecting a full on promise.

"Yes, Lois, I'll be there."

"You're not going to have something come up, or have to return a library book, or go to a doctor's appointment, or—"

"Lois, I said I'd be there."

She smiled and he chuckled. "Lois, you're starting to scare me. What's going on?" And he returned his attention to his screen and his typing.

She ignored him, but turned at the door to say, "Just so long as you're there at seven sharp."

********

"I think this is where I say I told you so." Oliver smiled into the receiver.

"Right," Clark said sarcastically, as he unloaded his final bale of hay from the truck and threw it easily into the far reaches of the upper loft. "But, we don't know why she asked me. I could be just a test subject with an iron stomach for her to practice on."

"For crying out loud, Clark!" As he changed hands with the receiver, under his breath, he muttered, "And I thought he was crazy when it came to Lana."

"I heard that," Clark said dryly.

"Good! It's time someone told you how nuts you're being about this."

"I know, I know." Clark stopped pacing and leaned against the truck. Shelby bounded up to him with glee, and Clark began scratching behind his ear. "I'm pathetic. It's just… Oliver, if this doesn't work out, it's not only just my love life I could be messing up. It could also mean losing my best friend, my career, my whole…"

"Yeah, the career being attached to her does throw a wrench in the works, but, I'm telling you, I know Lois. She is as much hung up on you as you are on her."

Clark didn't say anything.

"And just as stubborn."

"How do you know?"

"That's a trick question, surely," Oliver grinned into the phone.

"No, I mean why do you think Lois likes me… in that way?"

"Clark, I feel like I'm talking to a fourteen-year-old. Look, I think you know that I'm not going to run to Lois and tell her about this conversation. Well, that works both ways. I wouldn't tell you about any conversation I may or may not have had with her about you."

"Did she—?"

"Clark, I'm going now. I'm suiting up to go work Suicide Slums so you can take a whole night off and not worry. Okay?"

"Thanks, Oliver. I do appreciate it. It'll be easier to concentrate if I know you're out there. But yell loudly if you need me? I'll be there."

"Yeah, I would expect nothing less. 'Bye, Clark and have some fun."