DISCLAIMERS

1. I DO NOT OWN JURASSIC PARK/WORLD. This is just for fun.

2. This is a femslash story. If you don't like that sort of thing, you won't like this.

PART 19

"So you will be back by the morning, right?"

Claire rolled her eyes at her PA's worried voice. "Yes, Zara. I'll be back by tomorrow morning."

"Good," came the Brit's relieved response. "Not that, y'know, we haven't managed without you. Everything's fine."

Claire frowned: that did not sound reassuring. "Zara... what's happened?" The redhead was already groaning.

"Nothing!" Zara almost yelped. "Everything's fine. Both I-Rex's are... fine."

Sure, that was convincing. "Zara... "

"Claire, I promise everything's fine." That was the PA's fourth use of the word "fine" in less than a minute. "Just... you're definitely coming back in the morning, yes?"

"Because of the time difference, yes I will," said Claire, deciding to ignore Zara's obvious swerving. She was in far too good a mood. "But I won't be immediately available. I have somethings to sort out first, and... "

"You won't?" came the almost panicked interruption. "What things? What's happened? Are you hurt? Were you robbed?"

Shaking her head, Claire found herself chuckling. "Zara, if I had been mugged, don't you think I would've mentioned it by now?"

"Of... of course. It's just... " The Brit sounded confused - not a new phenomenon. "You've always been ready for work. Bloody hell, you were moaning nonstop about having to take a holiday... I mean, 'vacation'. Did you buy loads of stuff you need to unpack? I can do that."

"Zara, I don't need you to unpack my stuff... again." In the past, when Claire had returned from business meetings away from the park, Zara was usually the one to unpack for her, what with Claire being such a workaholic. The PA was somewhat correct though: the redhead did have a new dress. A very wise investment, if her girlfriend's reaction was anything to go by.

Claire blinked. Girlfriend. It was pretty safe to think that, now: Lex was her girlfriend. The thought brought butterflies to the OM's tummy.

"Claire, you there?"

The redhead quickly cleared her throat, slightly embarrassed. "Yes, yes I'm here. Anyway, the reason I won't be available is because I... won't be alone."

"You... what?" The surprise in the Brit's voice was obvious. "You've met someone? What about Grady?"

Ugh. Claire was pissed - and aghast - knowledge of her date with Owen spread. She highly doubted he himself bragged about it - most likely, he mentioned it in passing to a friend and, well... it was just an island. Claire was sure she even overheard some of the senior staff drivers gossiping about it. "That was never even a thing," Claire said. "Anyway, she'll be coming back with me. She's staying... " - was she blushing? - "... with me. And she's to be given full VIP access. Got it?"

"OK... " said Zara. "You know your flight's only covered for you, right?"

"I'll take care of that," the redhead assured. "Just make sure we're not to be disturbed." Oh, great: that sounded innocent!

Despite the long-distance line, Zara's giggle was clear as a bell. "I'm just pleased you've met someone."

"I think I've met the one... " Claire said reverently. Then her eyes instantly widened, for two reasons: one, that she said that out loud, and two... that she said it at all. Was it true? Did she really think Lex was... ?

"Um, wow," Zara choked. "Well... er... if that's the... wow."

Quickly clearing her throat, Claire spoke before she blushed herself to death. "Anyway, I'll be back tonight. Now you better get off the line: this call must be costing Mascom a ton... or tonne, if you prefer."

"Sure, sure!" said Zara. "OK, I'll see you tomorrow... maybe."

Again shaking her head, Claire sighed. "Goodbye, Zara." Once the call ended, she chuckled once more. Zara could get herself in such a state. As an aside, Claire hoped she would have time for Zach and Gray when they finally came to the park, and would not have to palm them off to the PA: she would likely lose them.

On the topic of Jurassic World, Claire had decided to still not inform Lex that was where she worked: only now, it was for an extra reason. Of course, Lex's obvious discomfort with theme parks was still a factor. Sure, she agreed to come back with the redhead, but Claire thought it was best not to talk about it; Lex might start stressing. Claire knew the blonde was likely worried about work, and making her pause to think about going to a "fairground" ontop of that could be too much. Just keep Lex thinking about just the two of them staying together - which the OM was overjoyed at - and not be burdened with dwelling on what type of place they were going to.

As for the other reason for keeping quiet? Well... Claire wanted it to be a surprise. Lex might not be a fan of theme parks, but the redhead did not work at just any theme park, after all. And although Claire would obviously keep Lex from being uncomfortable for as long as possible, she knew any anxieties the woman she might have would be overcome once they got to Isla Nublar. After all, despite the occassional lulls in business, everyone loved dinosaurs!

But enough about work. Claire decided to get back to something more vital: specifically, returning to a gorgeous blonde waiting in bed. Lex would soon be leaving for work, and Claire decided they needed some quality time beforehand. As for her thought of Lex perhaps being her True... ? Well, one step at a time.

And of course, Claire resolved to keep trying to forget what she originally thought about getting from that jewellery shop...

TO BE CONTINUED