Hello all! I will be going back to posting once a week but that just means longer chapters! hope that is ok and hope you are all still enjoying the ride as much as i enjoy writing it. Thank you all again, hoping you all a wonderful week
Now I will stand in the rain on the corner
Oh, my heart it sinks to the ground
And the storm that I thought would blow over
Clouds the light of the love that I found – Fool in the Rain by Led Zeppelin
"Well, that's one way to cut a party short," Cal stated, looking at Perry with amusement in his eyes as the sprinklers continued to spray water.
"Bloody hell, how long does this normally last?" Looking up at the water source, then to the group. Looking to Perry first. His anger was dissipating as his expression was replaced by pure joy. Elizabeths expression full of amusement but mixed with slight frustration and concealed worry. Finally looking at Gillian , her features showed curiosity and concern as she looked around her.
"I have no clue; I have always wanted to do it." Perry laughed as he straightened out his blazer, which was sticking to his wet body. Walking away from the group, he casually walked around the roof, kicking the puddles of water that had formed.
"We should get out of the rain, darling; we are both drenched." She looked down at them both, her dress sticking to her tightly as her now-drenched hair lay slick.
"You can go; I'm going to make sure he's okay." She nodded toward Perry. "He could use support right now—a friend."
"Trust me, darling, he doesn't want your kind of friendship-"
The words fell from his mouth before he could fully think. Bitter, jealous words
"My kind of friendship?" She snapped at him, her voice full of disbelief and anger.
"He has made it abundantly clear he wants more than friendship from you. You will be your kind, caring, beautiful self. Nestle him in the friend zone. He will want more than what you are offering; he already does. He won't be happy with just friendship."
"Are you speaking as my friend?... or from your own experience Cal?" Her brows knit tightly together as she watched him, intently searching his face.
No, no, no, don't read me, darling. Control your face; don't let her see the truth.
The sprinklers continued their assault of water on them as they both stared at each other. Gillian tried to read him with everything in her power as Cal controlled his features, forcing his mask in place and not letting her see in.
"Hey Docs! How about a towel and a drink, huh?" Elizabeth shouted from across the roof, soaking wet, now standing under the bar top cover. Holding up a stack of towels and a bottle of liquor, smiling widely. Zoe stood next to her, the only one not ravaged by water, standing dry and confident as she watched Cal and Gillian carefully.
"We should go in luv."
"Go ahead; Zoe is waiting on you…I'll just be a minute." She spoke softly, her eyes unwilling to break contact with his still searching.
Biting his lip, Cal turned and walked away, heading towards Elizabeth and Zoe.
Gillian stood alone, looking up and closing her eyes as the water continued its downfall. Inhaling deeply and exhaling, she looked around the roof, finding Perry kicking one of the giant pink balls as he continued walking around the roof. Reaching his hand into his pocket, he grabbed his silver case, pulling out another cigarette and placing it in his mouth.
Gillian walked up to him as he lit the cigarette between his lips. Reaching up, she grabbed it, placing it between her fingers. His mouth opened, agape in surprise, as she raised her fingers to her mouth, placing the cigarette between her lips, and inhaled deeply. Exhaling through her nose as he stared down at her in shock and curiosity. He smiled warmly and licked his lips as he looked down on her.
"I thought you were a good girl… Here you are smoking."
"Name one ballerina that didn't smoke, and I'll name you a liar." Her words causing them both to smile together as she continued. "I Give myself one a year."
"I should feel honored then." Perry placed his hand on his heart, smiling sweetly. "Either that or Lightman said something to upset or stress you tonight…and it made this look appealing." Pointing at the cigarette between her fingers.
Gillian gave no answer as she inhaled again looking him in the eyes.
"I'm thinking the later, you haven't looked to thrilled with him tonight."
She raised her hand that was holding the cigarette as Perry leaned over, grabbing it with his lips and inhaling.
"You ok?" she deflected unwilling to continue the conversation he started.
"Why wouldn't I be? You and Lightman were able to find out who leaked the story. I couldn't be more thrilled that we finally have answers."
"Your hurt-"
Yes, I am, but that doesn't mean I'm not happy we finally got some answers. Now if we can just find out who has been steeling from me, I'll be ecstatic."
"Truth or happiness Perry, you might not like what the truth reveals." She spoke solemnly, looking him in the eyes, then down at the ground.
The sprinklers finally stopped spraying water as they both looked up at the source.
"you…are soaked…" Perry's eyes darkened as he looked down at her dress, which was dripping water on the floor. She smiled as she reached her hands up to her hair, pushing it back and squeezing the ends to get the water out.
"That I am. And so are you." She cocked an eyebrow as a coy smile played across her lips, looking up at him.
Perry laughed joyfully as he reached for the button of his blazer, unbuttoning it. Sliding off his dripping, wet blazer and slinging it over his back.
"We should dry you off before you catch a cold."
"You should be more worried about yourself. I'm wearing more clothes than you currently are." She laughed lightly as they walked towards the stairs near the bar.
"aw yes but I'm wearing more clothes, now… than you were this morning." Perry flirted with a cocky grin as Gillian blushed lightly.
Cal sat by the fire pit on the balcony as he had done the night prior. His suit jacket was hanging on the back of his chair, drying off by the fire. Untying his tie, he placed it on the chair as well and proceeded to unbutton a few buttons on his shirt. Moving his chair closer to the fire to dry off.
Zoe sat next to him, watching in amusement as he rang his hair out with his hands.
I've never been more thankful to be seated at a bar," Zoe chuckled as she sipped her drink.
"You missed all the fun, Ms. Landau!" Elizabeth chimed in, smiling widely as she began unbuttoning her shirt, sliding it off, and tossing it on the back of her chair. Standing in her bra and dress pants, she sat across from Cal and Zoe, sipping her drink.
Cal looked up as he heard familiar heels clacking down the stairs. Looking over to see a shirtless Perry grinning as a soaking wet Gillian walked next to him.
Elizabeth stood up, grabbed two towels off the counter, and handed them to each other.
"Feeling better, Perry?" Elizabeth asked with a grin as he scrubbed his hair dry. "Much better, actually. I'm glad the bastard was caught. Can you grab some dry clothes for Gillian?" He bent over, taking off his shoes.
"Oh, I'd love to." Elizabeth gleamed Excitedly at him before turning around, grabbing Gillians hand. "This way Barbie!" she cheerfully stated as she tugged her down the hall hand in hand.
Gillian looked behind her with wide eyes at Perry as she continued walking with Elizabeth.
"Behave!" Perry yelled with a light chuckle.
"Doctor Lightman, I can have a change of clothes for you as well?" He began undoing his belt, pulling it free.
"almost dry now, but…thank you." Cal answered semi-distracted as Perry moved on to unbuttoning and unzipping his pants.
"I've got to say tonight was interesting, but last night was more fun." Perry beamed at Cal as he pulled his pants off his legs, leaving him standing in a small pair of pink briefs.
"You part horse?" Unable to stop from looking down at the man's impressive manhood, he pulled his eyes quickly to his face, trying not to stare. "I never knew we had so much in common."
Perry laughed jovially as he walked to Cal's chair, grabbing his shoulders.
"Ahh! That we do my friend!" Perry grinned ear to ear, still holding Cal's shoulders.
Zoe placed her hand to her mouth to keep from laughing, as the nearly naked man held onto Cal.
"Perry, get out of here with that thing, before it bites me." He snuck out of the large man's grasp and stood up quickly, causing both Perry and Zoe to laugh out loud.
"I will be back shortly." He jogged to his bedroom. Leaving both Zoe and Cal alone.
"You can't let him near Gillian." Zoe said with a stern and serious look on her face.
"Why is that?" he asked, sitting back down in his chair and turning to look at her curiously.
"She won't be able to walk again." Zoe smirked, concealing her laughter. His eyes widened in shock at her statement. "He's a very large man; I didn't think everything was going to be so…to scale. How would they even physically do it? She's so… tiny compared to him, she would just have to get on top-"
"ZOE," Cal snapped, angrily interrupting her.
Fantastic visual, you have given me Zo. She is doing this on purpose to fuck with me.
"Aaaand we are back. I hope you didn't have too much fun without us." Elizabeth yelled as she walked down the halls with Gillian behind her. Wearing nothing but a button up black men's dress shirt. Gillian walked up behind her, shaking her head softly, wearing the same shirt but in white. Covering a little more then Elizabeths due to her shorter frame. Clearly, Perry's shirt landed mid thigh and loose on her. Her hair was starting to dry more, getting slightly curly. Cal could partially make out the vibrant bra and underwear she was wearing underneath, and his mouth went dry.
"You know, pants would have been appreciated." Gillian tugged the shirt down more, looking at Elizabeth.
"None of his pants would fit you, doc," Elizabeth laughed as she walked to the liquor cabinet, grabbing another bottle of whiskey and more glasses. "And your dress tonight was shorter than this." She winked at Gillian while pouring her a glass.
Gillian grabbed it with a shake of her head as she walked to join Cal and Zoe on the balcony, sitting cross-legged. She grabbed a chair, pulling it close to the fire to warm up. Pulling her legs up to her chest, she snuggled into herself, hoping to get warm as she stared into the fire, holding her glass tightly to her.
Her action caused her shirt to ride up her legs quite a bit, but it went unnoticed by her as she was deep in thought.
"Alright luv?" Cal asked worriedly as her head shut up, looking him in the eyes.
"Sorry, I was miles away." She gave him a reassuring smile, raising the glass to her lips and taking a sip.
"Alright friends! Are we all dry and warm now?" Perry emerged from his bedroom wearing a tight white t-shirt and white linen pants. Elizabeth held out a glass for him as he snatched it and walked to the balcony. Grabbing the seat next to Gillian, he pulled his chair close to meet hers. Taking his seat, he raised his glass in a show of cheers.
"One bastard down, one to go!" Everyone raised their glasses to join him in taking a sip.
Cal looked over his shoulder at Elizabeth.
Still calm and collected, a rather good mask she has. You wouldn't know she was going behind her partner's back; well, we don't know for a fact yet. I need to get more information from her. I was able to read her last night after she drank… lightbulb!
"Let's play a drinking game!" Cal clapped his hands together with a dangerous grin. Gillian's eyes widened as she stared at him with a shake of the head. Mouthing 'no' to him.
"Love that idea!" Perry clapped his hands together with a chuckle. "What game will it be?"
"How about I've never? Take a drink if you have done what the other person has never done." Cal looked between Perry and Elizabeth, who was taking the seat on the other side of Gillian.
"How very thrilling." Perry beamed at Cal.
"Why the hell not?" Zoe sat up in her chair, smirking.
"I'm game." Elizabeth grinned, placing the whiskey bottle near the edge of the fire pit. Looking over to Gillian, who looked more than a little uncomfortable.
"Doctor Foster, are you game?" Elizabeth cocked an eyebrow at her, licking her lips.
"Do I have a choice?" Gillian asked, uncurling her body and placing her feet on the floor before crossing her legs.
"Nope! Let's get started." Cal gave a dangerous grin as he reclined back in his chair.
We've got to start off easy; get Elizabeth comfortable, and a little buzzed.
"I've neva… sky dived." He looked around the group as Perry and Gillian took a drink.
"How very innocent a question, Doctor! I'm surprised by you." Perry cocked his head to the side, watching Cal.
"You can't start off with the wild ones, you will scare people away." He nonchalantly stated, pointing his finger at Gillian, smirking at her. "really?"
"college." Gillian mentioned it flatly before reclining in her chair. "Zoe's turn."
"I've never…. wished someone to divorce their spouse." Zoe spoke with a challenging gleam in her eyes. Staring directly at Gillian.
Gillian took a sip, her eyes catching Cal. Seeing his subtle raise and sip of his drink.
"I thought so," Zoe smirked, giving Gillian an icy glare, who rolled her eyes in return.
"and you said I was a shit stirrer Doctor Lightman?" Elizabeth eyed Cal smirking to herself.
"I've never," Perry said quickly and loudly "been in handcuffs."
Everyone around the fire took a drink. Cal watched as Gillian sipped her drink, looking down, not meeting his or anyone else's gaze.
"You've been arrested?" Perry turned in his chair to face her, popping his hand under his chin and curiously watching her.
"That's not what you asked." Gillian spoke matter-of-factly before looking away from Cal. Staring at her in shock and amusement, trying to conceal a smile on his face.
She did say she's always wanted to be tied up.. do handcuffs not count? Or has she been arrested? I'm pretty sure she has never been arrested. Shit Well, now I have a new visual, far better than the one Zoe made me think of.
"I've never cheated in a relationship." Gillian added.
Zoe, Elizabeth, and Perry all took a sip as Cal and Gillian gave a soft nod to each other.
"In all fairness, it was the end of the relationship, and we both knew it was ending." Perry defended himself by raising his hand in the air.
"Yeah, yeah, my turn. You all are playing it safe." Elizabeth spoke up. "I've never…." Leaning forward and looking between Zoe and Gillian, she added, " liked going down on men….Kind of why I prefer women amongst other reasons." She smiled widely before winking at Gillian.
"I've never been too fond of it myself." Zoe added.
"Don't I know it?" Cal added, causing Zoe to roll her eyes before smiling. His eyes cutting to Gillian, who sipped her drink with a hint of embarrassment, unwilling to meet anyone's gaze.
Um, excuse me? Did she just take a bloody drink to that 'I neva!?'
"And here I thought you were a prude." Zoe countered, looking at in disbelief Gillian.
"We all enjoy doing what we are good at." Gillian said, looking unwaveringly at Zoe and snapping back at her insult.
Definitely not a prude, definitely not a purse! Did it get warmer In here?
An audible gulp was heard around the table from Perry and Cal, both as they looked on in pure shock, interest, and amusement.
Elizabeth chuckled and clapped her hands together, turning her body toward Gillian. "I fucking love you." Smiling widely at her before biting her lower lip.
"next question." Gillian quickly added before tucking her legs up in her seat, causing her shirt to ride up her legs high on her thighs. Quickly tucking it down nervously.
"Hard to bloody well follow that." Cal tipped his drink up, taking a sip. "I've never hidden something from my partner." He looked forward at Gillian, who raised her eyebrow in disbelief. "…that I didn't later tell her."
"Nice cover, Cal." Gillian commented, tilting her head toward him. Resting her drink on the edge of her chair, not drinking it.
Shes telling the truth; it is not surprising from her. I do see a hint of guilt on her face, probably thinking about the whole Doyle fiasco. She did tell me, years later but she probably still feels guilty knowing her. My 'I've never' is not inherently truthful however. You have been hiding that you are in love with her for years, but that's besides the point.
Cal watched as no one took a drink. Instead looking back and fourth at each other.
Perry seems to be telling the truth, but Elizabeth is certainly not.
"Interesting, that is; I figured you lot would have something to hide from each other." Cal placed his elbow on the arm rest of the chair before placing his chin on top of it. Watching the partners carefully.
"After so many years together, you have to air it all out, Doctor, no secrets." Perry beamed a smile at Elizabeth, who returned one of her own. Not quite reaching her eyes.
Cals eyes drifted to Gillian, who was also watching Elizabeth. She looked back at him, giving him a silent look of understanding at the game he was playing. Nodding softly, unnoticed by anyone else.
Several rounds of 'I've never' and two bottles of whiskey later, the group sat close around the fire, chuckling with one another. Some buzzed more than others. Both Cal and Gillian tried to get a little bit more information from Elizabeth with each chance they had. Now no longer playing the game the group sat back enjoying each other's conversation.
"Hopefully, on your next vacation, you can show Emily your home town." Gillian gave him a knowing smile, taking a sip of her drink. Her hair was finally dry, hanging in soft curls.
"I'm afraid she might be too cool to hang out with her old man by then, darling," he said, looking down at his glass before looking over at Perry.
"Do you ever go to your home town, Pera? Visit friends and family?" He tilted his head, looking at the large man.
"Never had the desire. There is no one for me to miss." Perry spoke as he looked from Cal to the fire. Cal could see the honesty in the words he spoke. Looking quickly at Elizabeth, he could see sadness and sympathy on her face.
"As fun as tonight has been, I'm going to call it a night." Zoe announced as she stood up, stretched, and yawned.
"All this chitchat is far less exciting than our game was." She chuckled lightly before walking away. "Goodnight everyone," she called out as she walked out the front door as the group nodded and waved goodbye.
"What about you, Elizabeth?" Cal continued his questioning.
"I visit my family every now and then. When we have time for me to step away, of course." Elizabeth added, playfully taking a sip of her drink.
Gillian raised an eyebrow curiously at her word choice, catching Cal's gaze as he quickly looked back to Elizabeth.
"Always working, huh?"
"Liz is always hustling," Perry said softly. "Some times I barely get to see her; she's doing so much. The best partner I could ask for, always looking out for what's best for the company—"
"And you." Elizabeth added softly, giving him a quick smile. Cal watched as her breathing quickened.
"And me." Perry grinned back. "That's what you do when you are partners and best friends. You look out for one another in every sense of the word. You both know what im talking about?" He waved his hand between Cal and Gillian.
"That we do… Fosta here has been looking out for me since the moment we met." He looked at her as he spoke.
"Not that I always see it or appreciate it in the moment. Usually take it… and her for granted… when she is just looking out for the company's best interest… when she's just looking out for me." He watched as a flicker of hurt flashed across her face. More than likely, thinking of when he threatened their partnership and friendship over finances several months ago.
Or, hell, maybe she's thinking of the many other times you have been a wanker to her lately. How many times have they butted heads when you are going off the Handle and she is just trying to make sure the company survives? That I don't get myself killed?
"Sometimes we think we know what's best for the ones we are closest to…even if they don't realize it." Elizabeth spoke softly, her face showing hints of sadness and concern. Swirling her drink in her hand.
"I always appreciate it… Do I always listen the first time around? Maybe not." Perry chuckled lightly. "You're the one to talk, Liz. When I tell you I'm looking out for you or our company, you close up and push me away. If you would just tell me what's going on more, I wouldn't have to pry."
"That sounds familiar," Gillian chimed in, looking at Cal.
"By prying, you mean having your boys follow me when you think I'm doing something you wouldn't approve of? Or how about you monitoring my bank account?" Elizabeth snapped at him, seeing the first sign of any sort of dispute between the two. Cal and Gillian watched curiously.
"If you would just tell me what was going on, I wouldn't have to use such means!"
"He monitored your bank account?" Gillian questioned Elizabeth in disbelief her brows knitting together.
"Several years ago, I went to Dubi to meet with the Sheikhs soon-to-be wives for a fitting. He asked me to be his private designer and made me several offers with signing bonuses that I, of course, turned down. When I came back to New York a week later. The Sheikh had wired me a large sum of money as a thank-you for my service. Perry saw the money enter my account somehow… and thought I had accepted his offer and was receiving the signing bonus."
"That man had been trying to get you to leave Lavi for weeks. I was looking out for the company; I couldn't have my partner leave; it would have crippled us."
"You could have just asked me rather than going to such extremes. You should have been able to trust me."
"I do trust you… I just don't trust everyone else." Perry sipped his drink.
"I would never leave you, Perry." Elizabeth stated firmly.
"If it helps any, she does mean that, mate." Cal spoke up, looking between the two partners. Elizabeth nodded at Perry as we gave her an appreciative smile.
"No one else would put up with you like I do." Elizabeth chuckled lightly, causing the group to smile. Cal caught Gillian's gaze as he saw her sympathize with the other woman's sentiment.
No one else would put up with me either; I don't know how she has done it all these years. No matter how awful I can be or how wild I can act, she is always by my side.
The room grew quiet as everyone stared into the fire, deep in thought.
"It's getting rather late; I should head out." Gillian straightened her legs out from under her chair. Yawning lightly into her sleeve, she stood up.
Perry stood along with her. Looking down at her small frame. Without her heels on, the height comparison was almost cartoonish in nature.
Cal's stomach twisted in knots again.
Great now im thinking about Zoe's comment from earlier.
"Thank you for the… interesting evening, to say the least." Gillian smiled up at Perry, her cheeks slightly flushed from the whiskey.
"I have regrets about not throwing a white party… Now that would have been something to be seen." Perry laughed lightly with a shake of his head, looking over at Cal and winking at him cheekily. However, seeing you this morning more than makes up for those regrets." He flirted with a gleam in his eyes.
Cal's eyes widened at the man's boldness, growing more and more annoyed with his overt flirting.
"What happened this morning?"" Elizabeth asked while standing up, looking incredulously between the group.
"I'm going to go now." Gillian spoke quickly, hiding her embarrassment. Sneaking away and brushing softly against Perry.
"Good night," she sang out as she walked away.
"Good night Doctor." Perry beamed back at her putting g his hands in his pants pocket.
"Hold on a sec, luv; I'll head out with you. God knows I could use the rest." Cal blurted out quickly before she could leave, standing up and jogging over to her.
"But what happened this morning?" Elizabeth yelled again, causing the men to stifle laughter as Gillians cheeks burned with more embarrassment.
They walked silently down the hall. Arriving at Gillian's door as she unlocked it and stepped inside, turning to Cal as she rested her body against the door.
"A drinking game, Cal?" Gillian asked with a coy smile, biting her lip as she looked at him.
"Elizabeth has quite the firm mask, darling; the only time I have seen it fall was when she was drinking, and this further proved my theory. It was for science." He shoved his hands in his pocket as he leaned closer to her.
"science huh?" She smirked softly; he could see she was lightly buzzed from the drinking game. Her cheeks blushed, and her blue eyes became darker.
"For science, darling, I got a lot more from tonight than I expected. Man really has some trust issues."
"Like another man I know." Gillian cocked an eyebrow at him, smirking.
"Ill have you know I have never monitored your bank account," he said, bringing his hand to his chest earnestly.
"Well, that's good to know," she said softly. "But on that note, monitoring her account…more than likely, that's why she is taking the funds from Lavi so that it goes unnoticed by Perry."
"Exactly my thoughts, darling; we also know Elizabeth has been visiting the office in France at least once a month. We know his mother has been receiving help from someone. The time line of her getting sick perfectly lines up with the missing funds. All signs point to Elizabeth." He drifted on, rambling. "We are going to have to bring her to the cube again."
"Perry will be crushed." Gillian sadly said, looking down. "So much history together, so much love for one another to hide something so big for so many years… I couldn't imagine."
I can, and I know how she feels. She is probably hiding it to protect him in some screwed-up way. Just like I'm hiding my truth from you so I don't hurt you.
"It must be eating her alive." She added, looking up to Cal.
"If they are as close as they appear to be, as close as us. They can get past all of this."
"This is rather.. not like you, Cal; you're normally more of a cynic." Gillian leaned out of the doorway, stepping closer to him.
"I'm just thinking how I would react if my partner did something like that." He spoke earnestly, rocking back in his heels.
"You'd forgive me?" Gillian smiled warmly at him, stepping even closer into his personal space, leaving little room between them.
"Darling, if the options are don't forgive you and you leave my life or forgive you and you remain in my life… The answer is clear as day."
Cal watched as her face showed deep appreciation and love, her cheeks flushing softly again. She raised herself up on her tippy toes, placed her palm on his face, and kissed him on the cheek. His entire body radiated warmth after her lips landed on his skin. He closed his eyes with the contact, letting a smile spread on his face.
She lowered herself back down, watching him as she kept her palm on his other cheek.
"The Doctor Lightman I knew many years ago… would never have given that answer." She smiled warmly, biting her lip softly.
"I'm getting soft in my old age."
Lies, you arent getting soft. You just cant imagine a world with out her in it. She could lie, cheat , steal and you would forgive just for her to stay near you.
"That must be it." She smiled at him, lowering her hand back down. Shaking her head in disbelief as she walked backwards to the door.
"We should get some sleep; it's getting late…. Good night, Cal." She said it softly, with a warm, loving look in her eyes.
"Goodnight luv." Turning on his heels, he put his hands in his pockets as she slowly closed the door.