Chapter 13 Down Boy

Thank you all for tuning in! I have been having fun with this story and reading your reviews. The story is ramping up for even more drama. Who doesn't love that! Thank you all again !

Down boy down by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs

The week flew by; they had finished all interviews and had a list of employees needed for further questioning by Friday.

Cal and Gillian sat on her sofa in her office, reviewing all Lavi employees files.

Perry knocked at the door before entering.

"So that's everyone, right? Any leads?"

"A few; we will need to do another round of interviews," Gillian answered, looking up to Perry, who was grinning back at her.

"Wonderful! You can do that in New York, at my party." looking between both Cal and Gillian, giving a wolfish grin at the two.

"My jet is ready; can you both be ready in two hours?"

"two hours?! Mate, we still have work to do and interviews to go ove-"

"You can review more on my jet; the party isn't until tomorrow. You two will have plenty of time to settle in and prepare yourselves" he assured.

"Hold on, did you just say YOUR bloody jet?"

"Yes, I did, Doctor Lightman," he smiled proudly.

"And you will be staying at my penthouse condos. I own the building, so take your pick, really." Drawing out the m in my dramatically with added cockiness.

"Who knew fashion was so lucrative?" turning to look at Gillian, eyes wide, mouth parted at Perry's admittance.

"I do well for myself, Doctor Lightman." He smiled proudly and nodded.

"Will Ms. Landau be staying with you or will you be wanting your own suite?" leering down at Cal as he spoke. His large frame towered over him.

"I understand she has been sle-staying with you while she is in town, correct?" he asked, giving him a knowing look.

Cal caught his not-so-subtle slip of the tongue. Almost saying sleeping with you rather then staying. His eyes caught Gillian's knowing arch of the brow.

This bastard is screwing with me on purpose.

"Probably best for all parties if we had our own space," not backing down from Perry's dig at his and Zoe's relationship, standing tall to the man.

"I'll let my team know," he said, grabbing his phone from his jacket pocket. "Oh, and wear something pink."

"Pink?" Cal asked, astonished at the statement. Giving him a wild look.

"Yes, my party, my rules. Pink is the dress code…It doesn't have to be a pink suit, not that I think you would wear or own such a thing," he laughed jovially at the thought.

"But maybe a pink tie; you know, with a black suit, something classy." Seeing Cal's wide eyes at the request

"You know, never mind; I will have something ready in your room. I think I can guess your measurements right," he said, chuckling softly to himself. Turning to look at Gillian, who was hiding a grin at the whole conversation taking place between the two men.

"Do you have something to wear, Doctor Foster? I can have something ready for you if not. I'm more than confident I can guess your measurements…accurately." licking his lower lip, looking down at her body, and back up.

Oh, do you now? What about this boot accurately up your arse? Getting angered by the man's leering at Gillian. He looked between the his partner and the towering man.

Trying her best and failing to conceal her grin. "I appreciate the offer... but I have something that will fit the dress code, I think," she said, nodding assuringly.

Inhaling through his nose and puffing his chest, he straightened his jacket with a devilish grin.

"Can't wait"

Noticing Cal watching them to the side. Perry took a step back, dialing his phone to call his team. Making his way to the door.

"Be ready in two hours, Lightman Group," he called out as he walked out the door.

Stepping onto the plane Cal made his way towards the seats. Looking around the jet and its fineries. The man spared no expense everything custom with Lavi insignia embellished throughout.

Jesus Christ, how much money does this man have?

Zoe walked in next, taking the seat next to him.

" When Perry told me it wasn't about the missing money… that It was about the principal of someone steeling from him I assumed that was just a formality and he was hard up….He certainly doesn't need the money." Zoe admitted looking around the jet then back at Cal, who was not paying attention to her words. "This place is beyond opulent."

Looking out the window, he watched as Perry took Gillian's hand and held it as she made her way up the stairs of the plane.

Oh, and he's chivalrous, isn't that something? Bloody wanker.

"More like an exhibitionist, this plane is a bit much, don't you think, luv?" turning to look at his ex-wife.

"Eye of the Beholder, Cal."

Gillian and Perry walked past Cal and Zoe, sitting in the seats across from them.

"Everyone ready?" Perry beamed at the group.

"As we will ever be," Cal stated flatly, getting annoyed at Perry's chipper demeanor. He closed his eyes, waiting for the flight to end.

I've had my fill of this bloke and am now trapped on a plane with him, lovely.

Keeping his eyes shut as the jet made its departure. Opening them to see Gillian in front of him, folder in hand as she reviewed the files, the back of a pen to her lips.

I can't keep her from working; I love when she does that with pens. Don't love that Perry seems to also love that she does that with pens with the look he's giving her.

Looking at Perry annoyedly then back to Gillian. She was wearing a black pencil skirt with a slit up the side from earlier that day and a deep purple silk blouse tucked into it. The shirt was unbuttoned slightly to show a hint of cleavage. She looked outrageously stunning today, making it difficult not to stare. His mind drifted thinking again about how her body was just pressed against his not too long ago.

It's hard not to think about that. She did say she didn't want you to be a gentleman and here you are thinking about your half naked best friend on your lap. Not very gentlemanly at all. You're torturing yourself, mate. Stop staring.

Cutting his eyes away from her begrudgingly looking to Perry. Perry leaned over, his long legs set widely apart, as he leaned his large frame close to Gillian. He was asking questions about the interviews. They where smiling to themselves as they talked. Perry had no shame gazing at the stunning woman in front of him.

And why shouldn't he? They are both single for god sakes. Shes gorgeous. He's allowed to look, just wish he was more fucking subtle. Not that Foster has seemed to mind his gaze or his overt flirting. Quite the opposite actually, this wanker has had her blushing more times then I can count. He is a good looking man after all, who has made his desires for her very apparent. She would only let it be flirting with them anyway, she would never break her not dating clients policy. Doesn't mean there flirting doesn't bother me like it does but my god does it. She's not mine I have no right to feel this way. But I do, it makes me want to slap that cheesy grin off this plonkers face.

His own thoughts causing an uneasy feeling to course through his body. Rubbing his eyes, in frustration he already wanted the plane to land. Perry took notice of his action.

"Doctor Lightman, we do have a full bar in the back of the jet if you would care for a drink?"

"seriously?What else does this plane have, a bloody pool?"

"That will be in the next upgrade." Perry beamed at him.

"I don't even know if that's a joke any more," he mumbled to himself, getting up and heading to the back of the jet.

"I'll join you." Zoe got up and went in back with him.

Of course you will.

They hadn't talked any more about Zoe's proposal to get back together. Both not having the courage to talk any further about it. That didn't stop them from continuing to have sex, however.

Perry leaned back in his chair as Cal and Zoe left. Watching Gillian as she wrote notes in the folders. Looking at her admiringly his gaze trailing her head to toe landing on her heels.

"You know, those shoes were one of my favorite designs I have ever made." Pointing at the aforementioned heels. The black stilettos having a thin gold chain around the ankle, coming to a sharp, pointed gold heel.

"I'm a fan of them," Gillian answered, smiling to herself and keeping her eyes on the folder in her hand.

"You know they had a bit of an issue when they were released. The chain was supposed to have been stitched a few more times; otherwise, it will snap. I would hate for that to happen; mind if I fix it?" he asked, flashing her a flirtatious smile as he rested his chin on his hand.

"Beg your pardon?" looking away from her folder and at him.

"It'll take two minutes." Trailing his hand into his pocket, pulling a small sewing kit out. Getting up and kneeling in front of her chair. He placed his hand around her ankle sitting it on his leg.

"You always carry a sewing kit with you?" She teased him, slightly nervous. Watching him as he threaded a needle and began sewing the chain more in place.

"Comes in handy," he said, not looking up as he finished the stitch. Grabbing a hold of her other ankle as she rose her leg up locking eyes with her before sliding his hand down to the heel slowly. He smiled to himself as he heard her breath catch and become rigid. He started to stitch the second chain as she watched him admiring his handy work.

Finishing the last stitch and letting go of her heel In his hand. Reaching for her ankles and placing both heels on the ground.

"Does it feel more secure?" He watched with a warm gaze, placing his hand on the top of her shoe.

"Yeah," she said softly, smiling back at him as his fingers traced up her ankle to her calf. Causing her breath to catch.

"Down boy." she said, stilling his movements with her hand resting on top of his. Cocking an eyebrow at his actions.

"I did say I'd try...My best to be a gentleman," he said, giving her a devilish smile as he stood up, sitting back in his chair. Causing her to bite back a grin shaking her head and returning her attention to the folders in her hands.

Sipping on a glass of Scotch at the bar with Zoe, he looked at his surroundings.

"This place is absurd... Who has a bloody bar in a jet?" sipping the amber liquid, letting it burn his mouth before swallowing.

"Perry Lavigne clearly does," Zoe chuckled before sipping her drink.

"Perry told me you asked not to share a suite with me. Im gauging that is your answer to my question I asked the other day?" She turned her head to look at him.

"That wasn't a serious question," he said, trying his best to play it off to no avail.

"really Cal? I was serious-"

"I don't think you know what you're asking for, luv... Need I remind you all the reasons you left to begin with? There were plenty if you forgot." His voice betrayed him, cracking with a hint of hurt and soreness from her departure.

"I'm fully aware of why I left Cal, but I think this time will be different... I know what I'm getting into... what I'm asking. We are at different places in our lifes now. You aren't starting up a company. You're not spending eighteen hours at the office …with Gillian like you used to when this all began. I know who you are and what we had. I miss that. I miss us."

Looking at his glass and not at his ex-wife thinking about her word choice. The vehemence in her tone when she said Gillian. He was no language expert but he could hear the hate for his partner and there time together.

Does she really blame me spending time with Gillian at the office for our relationship failing ? That's utter bullshit we had problems long before then. We have done this time and time again. She comes back, she leaves. She comes back, she leaves. This time won't be different. Then why am I doing this? Why am I still sleeping with her? She's a distraction from Gillian, for one. Miss "you don't know what I feel like," well now I bloody well do. Not as much as I wished but I stopped her and myself for good and noble reasons. I could have done far more that night and didn't to protect her from myself. It's what's right. Zoe fills a need. A need I won't let myself be fulfilled by my best friend, my partner, the woman I can't get out of my goddamn mind, even if it kills me inside... But is that all Zoe is? Is she just a bloody need filler? Maybe Gillian was right; maybe she does have a tether on me—to my heart. I can't have who I truly want; I need to just accept that, mate. Maybe being back with Zoe will help extinguish those feelings and bury them deep down inside my old black heart, where they belong. Where I can truly protect Gillian from myself.

"Cal?" Zoe locked eyes with him.

"I lost you there," she lightly chuckled nervously, continuing.

"Look, I know it's not... I know that this is …I just want you to think about it. Think about us." She was nervous and unsure of her words. Uncommon for the likes of her.

Drinking the last remnants of his drink.

"We should get back to our seats; it won't be long until we land, darling," giving her a soft smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Walking back to his seat and pausing as he watched Gillians' hand on top of Perry's that was sitting along her calf. Flooded with anger that it was an unwanted advance, he saw the arousal in her eyes and the coy smile on her lips. before Perry got up and returned to his seat.

Far from unwanted by the looks of it. Feeling the pit in his stomach return.

Walking back to his seat, landing with a chaotic flop as he sprawled in his chair.

Looking up from the folder in her hand, Gillian watched him biting back a laugh at his chaotic landing. A smile spreading warmly across her lips. "Feeling better now?"

"feelin somefin luv" he said, forcing a smile back at her before looking out the window.

The jet landed minutes later, looking out the window. Cal watched as multiple cars waited on the tarmac.

"You need that big of a crew to await the infamous Perry Lavigne?" Cal mocked him as he glanced at Perry, giving him a confused look.

"There should only be an SUV waiting for us, Dr. Lightman." getting up to look out the window.

"Shit. How the hell did the press know?" The shock present in his voice as his eyes searched wildly.

"Well, your jet is anything but discreet, Perra."

"Right you are," Perry laughed at Cal's comment, shaking his head and then pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You are easily identifiable, Doctor Lightman"

"what's that supposed to mean? My dashing good looks give me a way?"

"Your books Doctor. Your photo is on the back, they will know for certain I have hired The Lightman Group when they see you… which means there is trouble in the fucking water for Lavi," letting the words fill the room, remembering the same words the report used. "They are going to eat me alive." Turning away from the window, leaning against the wall defeated.

"I have an idea..." Gillian chimed in, standing and walking to Perry.

"Tell them you're considering inspiration for your next collection based on microexpressions... You are after all Perry Lavigne; what better way to view and pull inspiration than having Doctor Lightman? "Looking at Cal, giving him a proud smile that hit her eyes, "the world's best, brightest, and leading microexpression scientist to exist"

Cal could not help but grin at her words of flattery. Seeing on her face no lies she truly meant every word. His heart skipped a beat.

I might be a right plonker some times, screwed up more times then I can count. But that look that she gives me, how much pure appreciation and support she has always given me. It makes me feel like I did something right in my life.

"Brilliant you are, luv."

Smiling and winking at him before turning to look at Perry, deep in thought.

"That's absurd. Who is going to believe that?" Zoe chirped in, rolling her eyes at Gillian and giving her a curt look of pure annoyance.

"It could work..." Perry answered looking out the window. "Right, ok, let me do the talking."

Walking to the door of the plane as he waited for it to open. Perry stood proudly, straightening his jacket and brushing his hair back. The doors opened, and a flurry of flashing lights blasted through the opening of the plane.

"Mr. Lavigne!"

"Perry!"

Reporters rushed the staircase of the jet as Perry's security did their best to hold them back.

Walking down the stairs, Perry walked in front of Zoe, Cal, and Gillian, as they made there way to the SUV across from the plane.

"Please everyone go back to work. No story here. We are returning to New York for my annual release party before my upcoming show. I have asked the Lightman Group to join. I have been in DC the past week observing the work they do. Doctor Lightmans book truly sparked my interest and gave me inspiration for my next upcoming project... Microexpressions are the way of the future, just as Lavi continues to be. I'm taking inspiration from their outstanding work in the field. This upcoming collection will be one for the books," Perry said proudly and confidently to the wave of reporters.

"Does this have anything to do with the embezzlement?"

"Did you hire the Lightman group to find out who stole from you, Mr. Lavigne?" reporters yelled loudly as Perry deflected as many questions as he could. Giving brief answers to the pushy crowd.

"Doctor Lightman, Doctor Lightman!" The cameras fluttered as the reports recognized Cal as they snapped photos.

"All this, for me, seems a bit excessive but entirely justifiable. I am quite impressive." Cal beamed at the reporters and waved as Gillian locked eyes with him, shaking her head no. Placing his hand on her waist, he pulled her to him as they walked down the stairs.

"We are quite impressive, I mean," he informed the reporters as they continued to snag more photos, yelling their names and asking questions.

"You're not helping," Gillian whispered to him before trying to slip from his grasp as he tightened his hand around her waist, not letting her go.

"Well, we are impressive, darling. I've got to play the part of the best brightest, sexiest… leading microexpression scientist, luv," he said, toying with her. Using her words against her. Smiling cheekily at her as she bit back a smile.

"I don't…remember saying anything about being sexy."

"Not with your words, luv," he countered as she laughed softly.

Making their way to the SUV, the reporters were relentless with questions and photos. Perry stood outside the car, wanting nothing more then to be done with there countless badgering. No longer answering questions or giving answers. Smoking a cigarette, as his driver opened the car door, letting Zoe in first. Perry gave her an affirming nod as she ducked in. Gillian walked up next to enter, and Perry smiled broadly as he held his hand out for her to stabilize herself as she entered the car.

"Chevaleresques sommes-nous?" Chivalrous are we? - Gillian beamed back at him, causing Perry to lick his lips while watching her as she took a seat in the car.

A reporter barged through Perry's security, snapping photos of him holding her hand.

"Who's the girl, Perry?" he yelled while taking photos. The reporter placed his hand on the car door, holding it open.

"Doctor Foster, my business partner. Now, if you'd mind…bugger off," Cal retorted to the reporter, searing with annoyance at the pushy man.

"Eh, doc, what's your and Perry's relationship? My sources from DC caught the two of you leaving a restaurant the other day."

Gillians' eyes widen at the man getting irritated at the reporter. Getting out of the car standing infront of the door.

"Your sources "caught," as you so eloquently refer to it, a client and myself grabbing lunch for a famished office." Gillian defended herself firmly with no hint of annoyance in her voice, a well calculated response. Handling the outrageous situation with class. resting her hand on the door of the SUV.

"And I don't appreciate your implications."

"Perry Lavigne has quite the reputation, doll, and I'm sure it wasn't just lunch," the sleazy reporter countered, placing his hand on hers.

"And you're a knockout." He smirked as she quickly pulled her hand from his.

"Oi!" Cal yelled at the man grabbing him by the bicep and pulling him away. Flooded with anger at the audacity and inappropriateness of the reporter. Getting in the man's face and sneering at him, he did his best to control his rage.

Violent thoughts flooded Cals mind. He thought about giving the man his left hook. Pummeling him until he begged for forgiveness.

This twat thinks that he can just touch someone without permission? Make such inappropriate lewd comments? He needs to know his place.

Looking at Gillian with a shaky breath he knew she would not like any ideas that his twisted mind was thinking of doing to the man.

I can't do any of that, I need to be a better man. I need to be better for her. That's why you don't deserve her, a good man wouldn't be thinning such violent thoughts. Especially not acting on those thoughts.

Gillian quickly sat down in the car with a shake of her head as the security closed the door behind her.

Tossing his cigarette, Perry snagged the camera from the man's hands, throwing it to the ground. Cal watched as the large man permeated with anger. Watching pure terror in the reporters eyes as the towering man infront of him seethed. Looking as if he wanted to rip the man's head off.

"Touch her again... and it's the last time you have hands," horrifying the reporter so much so that he walked quickly backwards, returning to the others in the crowd.

"Get in, doctor," he said firmly, looking at Cal, who was watching him in shock at his words.

"Bit extreme, don't you think there, Perra?" looking at the man incredulously.

"He had it coming, he only has himself to blame. It was either you or me that put him in his place, wasn't it?" Getting closer to Cal's face leaning in.

"I'm not a human lie detector like you…but you cant tell me you weren't thinking of doing worse?" cocking an eyebrow at Cal giving him a knowing look before walking to the other side of the car.

He's got me there.