Disclaimer: White Collar belongs to Jeff Eastin and USA network.
A/N: It's so not fun to write about a fireplace, and then not have one to relax by! Anyway, let me know what you think!
Chapter 9
"How can you possibly be enjoying this?"
Peter had returned to his office to find Neal sitting in his chair with his feet on his desk.
"Peter, despite what I may have said earlier when I was obviously not in the correct frame of mind, Elle makes the best barbecued ribs in the city; how could I not be excited?"
"I WASN'T TALKING ABOUT THE RIBS!"
"Oh, right, what were we discussing again?"
"You are the most egotistical, narcissistic, vain, conceited, self-absorbed, arrogant, smug person I have ever had the displeasure of working with!"
"Wow. I didn't realize we were talking about me, but that's an impressive list of vocabulary words Peter. Can you spell them all?"
"Neal, enough already; I can't work like this. I cannot work with you right now. My blood pressure can't take it."
Neal pondered this, not believing Peter was actually serious.
"So, do I need to go anywhere to pick up some blood pressure pills for you?"
"Neal, get out of my office right now! Do not come back until you hear from me. Understood? Yes, I will be searching your apartment myself and no, I do not want to have dinner with you this evening.
##
It was finally beginning to sink in that maybe Peter really was serious. Neal wasn't sure what to think about that; maybe Peter just needed to calm down. Of course, Peter had never really threatened him to such an extent before about ending their partnership. Neal wasn't concerned at all about Peter finding anything; his stash was securely stored where no one could find it - not even Mozzie. The flap over the missing FAA package was an oversight on his part, and he hadn't done a very good job of hiding it.
He decided to go on the offensive and plead his case with Elle. Perhaps he could convince her to make her famous barbecued ribs and tell her it was a surprise for Peter; she might just go along with that.
##
"Hello?"
"Hey, Elle. It's Neal."
"How are you doing?"
"Much better, thanks for asking."
"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that I've been worried about you."
"Yeah, thanks. I wanted to apologize for my barbecued ribs comment; I hope you didn't take it personally. I clearly wasn't myself. I didn't mean it, and I want to make up for it. Would you be willing to make them for me? I'm even willing to contribute a bottle of wine for the occasion. Would it be possible to do it yet tonight?"
"Well, I had planned on making spaghetti, but I can definitely change plans. Are you still at the office? Any idea when Peter might be home?"
"Ah, no, I'm at home right now, but I can come over whenever you want. I'm not sure how long Peter would be. I know he had plans out of the office. He had a rough day, so I thought barbecued ribs would be a nice surprise, and I could apologize to you for my rude comments the other day. You know kinda kill two birds with one stone."
"Oh, ok. Why don't you come over around 5:30 p.m."
"Sound good Elle. Thanks!"
##
Neal and Elle were standing outside sipping some of the wine Neal had brought over. They were occasionally checking the ribs on the grill and waiting for Peter to come home when Elle's cell phone rang. She looked at the caller ID.
"Neal, it's Peter, excuse me for just a minute."
"Hey, honey. I'm sorry. I know it's late."
"That's ok. How's it going today? Are you coming home for dinner?"
"I may be a little late. I have something that I need to check out yet; I'm not sure how long it's going to take. Save me some dinner though, I promise it won't be too late."
Elle remembered that Neal had wanted the dinner to be a surprise, so she didn't tell Peter what she was fixing, or that Neal would be joining them.
"Ok. I'll see you then. I love you."
"Love you too, Elle. Bye."
Elle walked back outside to the grill, and saw Neal inspecting the ribs to see if they were ready.
"Peter said he's going to be a bit late, so we can start eating without him. He wasn't sure how long he'd be."
##
Neal pushed his plate aside. The only evidence of ribs was the slight traces of barbecue sauce smeared around the plate.
"That was simply delicious. I can't believe I ever said I didn't like them."
"I didn't believe that for a minute when Peter told me. I knew something was wrong even before that happened."
"Elle, I wanted to thank you for what you did for me the other day. I didn't mean for any of it to happen. I'm sorry."
"Neal, I understand what you were going through. It's just horrible; no one should have to go through that."
"Thank you for sitting with me. It couldn't possibly have been comfortable to sit on the floor like that, especially with all the glass around you. I wanted to tell you…it made me feel safe, kind of a warm fuzzy feeling."
"I'm just glad you're feeling better."
"You know, Peter told me what June said about giving me a reason to live. You, Peter and June…you do make me feel alive, you make me want to live; I just didn't realize it at the time. When I was with Kate, she…she made me feel like a raging inferno, like a roaring fire that couldn't be quenched, and that made me feel alive! When she died, I felt like a useless pile of ashes. I didn't think I had anything left to give. When I'm around you and Peter and even June, it's like I'm wrapped in blankets next to a soothing fireplace that crackles and pops. It's safe and controlled; warm and inviting. It's a totally different feeling than with Kate, but I like it, and I wanted to let you know how much you have helped already."
Elle put her hand on his, and looked into his eyes.
"I'm so glad Neal; so glad that you are coming back to life."
"I didn't feel like I had any dignity left. I know I was a complete mess, and yet you stayed; you held me. I will never forget that. I know you know I'm a thief and a conman, and I was always scamming someone, but when you, June and even Peter came into my life, you all made it so much better and I'm grateful. Please remember that. I finally have actual friends who didn't abandon me when my world came tumbling down."
"I'm glad you feel that way, Neal, but why do I get the sense it almost seems like you're saying goodbye?"
"Peter doesn't want to work with me anymore. He told me so himself. He actually ordered that I leave his office; that's why I was at home so early. I swear there isn't any evidence, but Peter seems bound and determined to find something so that he can throw me back in jail, where he thinks I belong."
"That's ridiculous Neal, you know Peter trusts you. He really likes having you as a partner."
"After today Elle, I'm pretty sure that's not the case."
Both Neal and Elle heard the key in the lock, and both assumed it was Peter. Neal grabbed his hat.
"I've got to go. Thanks for the ribs, Elle."
Neal was out the back door before Elle had a chance to say anything in return.