The Marshall and Superman
Chapter 2 Celebration Now, C'mon
Lana is wrapped in Superman's cape for the fast flying across country part of the trip. They slow down as they approach SF Bay and she is allowed to poke her head out and take a look, orienting herself. They circle, high above ground, and slowly settle in a redwood grove on the Marin peninsula. Clark slowly turns around several times, then reassures Lana that there is nobody within seeing range so she can change clothes if she desires.
"Can I keep the leather on and just remove the headgear and mask? I rather like this look!"
"So do I! Yes, that's ok. In that case, I'll don black leather too." In another blur he has changed; now they are a rather striking couple.
"Where to now, Clark?"
"We'll walk to the Tiburon Ferry; we may need some super speed. I'll keep an eye on the clock."
"Have you ever ridden this ferry, Lana?"
"Nope, I bet the views are stunning."
"That they are."
They make the 12:00 PM ferry to SF. On the way they can see the hills of the east bay to the east of Oakland and other east bay communities. Also, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate bridge and Fisherman's Wharf as they approach their SF destination. As they approach the pier they can hear the throaty roar of numerous California sea lions who have famously taken over much docking space along Fisherman's Wharf. Tourists are amused, locals not so much.
They disembark on the SF side at Fisherman's Wharf. "Good timing," Clark says. "We have a 6:00 dinner reservation at Alioto's on the Wharf. That gives us time to stroll to the restaurant, seeing the sights along the way. Be careful of the food vendors along the way; don't ruin your appetite!"
"I'll watch myself, and I'll watch you too."
They stroll the Wharf; an experience Lana has never before experienced. The docks that sea lions have taken over are especially comical, unless it affects your livelihood. Their cell phone cameras are much in use. They pick up some souvenirs along the way, especially some postcards.
They arrive at Alioto's on time and are ushered to their table; a private 2-seat set up in an alcove with a perfect view of the Golden Gate bridge and the soon to be setting sun. There is a single red rose for Lana in a small, exquisite crystal vase.
"Clark!" Lana exclaims. "How did you score a table like this? This is magnificent!"
"Well, my mother and I have some friends in San Francisco, as you will see as time goes by. I hope you will enjoy the food as well as the view."
"I'm sure I will."
After they have placed their orders for drinks and food the owner stops by their table. Clark quickly gets up and warmly greets Anthony Alioto.
"Clark, you've been a stranger! You must come by more often!"
"Yes, I should. Tony, this is my girlfriend Lana."
"Ah, a beautiful lady! I see why you have been busy, eh."
"You don't know half of it, Tony," Clark grins.
Lana blushes and slaps Clark lightly on his arm.
Tony laughs, then snaps his fingers in the air. A waiter appears with champagne and two flutes. "My compliments to the absolutely gorgeous couple! I'll see you two on the dance floor later, eh?"
"You will," Clark replies. He takes his seat, they are both facing the sunset which is becoming more breath-taking by the second.
Clark raises his flute; "a toast to my delightful, beautiful, talented girlfriend. A job well done Lana!"
They clink glasses and sip their champagne.
Dinner arrives, and is surpassed only by the sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge. Clark had picked this restaurant, and this table setting just for this spectacular view. It did not disappoint!
"Clark, this is amazing, you can't top this!"
"Ah, my love, the evening is young!"
Clark leads Lana to the dance floor where they dance holding each other tightly. The attention they are attracting is not lost on either of them. Fortunately they have each other to fend off those wanting to cut in. And requests are numerous; there are many crestfallen faces around the floor that evening. As they dance, Lana speaks softly into Clark's ear:
"Clark?"
"Yes."
"How do you know Anthony Alioto? He obviously considers you a special friend, one he will do a special favor for such as our beautiful table setting."
"Ah, that goes back to 3 years ago. A story best told in the context of our next stop. Can you wait a bit for that?"
"Promise me that an answer is coming?"
"I promise, love."
"Ok."
After almost an hour of dancing they hike back to the Hyde Street cable car and head up to Nob Hill and their next stop.
They get off the cable car at California Street and walk up that street 1 block to the Mark Hopkins Hotel and the 'Top of the Mark'. It is now pushing midnight but Clark had arranged for a late check in. At the front desk he asks for George; soon a smartly attired older gentleman appears and exclaims, "Clark my friend. You really must come to see us more often, and bring your mother. Ah, but who is this gorgeous young lady on your arm? I must make her acquaintance!"
"George, this is my girl-friend Lana. She works in security and we are celebrating a job well done on her latest case."
"Ah, it is my pleasure my dear. Has Clark told you what he did for us a while back. Saved my job he did. You must ask him, quite a story." Turning to Clark he adds, "I have the East facing suite prepared as you requested. I assume everything will be to your liking. Of course, I am available 24x7 if you need assistance. Jorge will see you to your suite."
Lana asks George for his business card and he obliges. He then snaps his fingers and a young man appears. He snaps up their 2 small cases and leads them to the private elevators.
Lana looks around astonished at the opulent surroundings.
After Jorge gets them settled in their suite, Lana excuses herself to the bedroom and closes the door. Clark assumes that she is changing, and she is. But she also has a request of George. She picks up the ensuite phone and dials George's number. They talk briefly, Lana makes sure that he understands her request then she thanks him and hangs up. She changes out of her leather outfit, gets settled into her pajamas and puts on the plush Top of the Mark white bathrobe. She notices that the robe has her initials – LL, embroidered over the left chest, over her heart. Hanging next to her robe is one with CK similarly embroidered. She is amazed. She returns to the sitting area of their suite.
"Your turn, love," she tells Clark. "I'm all ready except for my final nightly hygiene routine. BTW, this robe is fabulous."
"Aren't they though," he responds. "They are ours to take with us, though we may need to have them shipped since we are traveling so light. They are a Top of the Mark tradition."
"BTW, you owe me a story after you get ready to relax. I'm not forgetting that!" Lana makes sure he understands her expectations.
"I remember, one or two stories coming right up." He disappears into the bedroom and closes the door. He reappears shortly, attired in his own plush white robe. He pulls Lana down into a plush love seat, wraps his arm around her, and begins.
CLARK AND MARTHA IN SF
"3 years ago, my mother was a speaker at an Urban/Rural conference at the Fairmont hotel, just a block from where we are. CA Senator Feinstein was another speaker. My mom was speaking on The Rural/Urban Divide in America, and she was petrified! She dragged me along for moral support. Because the Fairmont was all booked, we stayed here at the Mark Hopkins.
"Also staying here was a Saudi crown princess. With a mega amount of her crown jewels! I can't understand why anyone travels with all that!"
"I can understand that in part," Lana interjects.
"Needless to say, during dinner one evening I overhear (with my super hearing) a plot to relieve said princess of her jewels. I expose the plot, earning me the undying gratitude of the princess, the Saudi royal family, George and the Mark Hopkins hotel.
And while dining at Alioto's on that same trip, I overhear a robbery about to take place. I abort that also, saving face for the restaurant and earning the gratitude of several very wealthy San Franciscans. An incredible trip to the city by the Bay.
"So, in addition to the perks you have already witnessed, I have an open invitation from the Saudi royal family to visit them in Saudi Arabia. A desert vacation maybe?" (Honeymoon, he thinks?)
"Wow, you really are a keeper, me thinks!"
"Keep thinking that way, love."
"I will!"
LATER IN BED
"Clark?"
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Do you remember those 2 conversations we had early on, when we professed our feelings for each other?"
"Yes, what about them?"
FLASHBACK #1
"You're the first woman" . . . "I'm the first woman, what Clark?"
"Well, I have feelings for you, real feelings. There is something about you, I'm attracted to" . . . "How attracted?" smiled Lana.
"I think I'm falling in love with you." Clark responds.
They end up in each other's arms, in bed, making love.
END FLASHBACK #1
"Clark, I want you to know something, for the sake of clarity."
"What is that, sweetheart?"
"When I was protecting you, I fell in love with Clark Kent. Not with Superman. I didn't know about the dual roles, the alter-ego so to speak until that gun battle."
"I know. Why is that important?"
"Well, I want you to believe that I love you, the real you. I am not in this relationship because there is a super-hero involved. I would be here whether or not you could fly and all the rest. I am in love with the real deal. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
"I do, and I really appreciate it, Lana." He kisses her softly.
"And about that 2nd conversation in our love nest off the grid."
FLASHBACK #2
Clark had seen a slight change in Lama over the last few days (in their cabin), she seemed withdrawn somehow getting detached. He was worried that she was changing her mind about them. "What's bothering you, Lana?"
She broke down into tears. "I'm afraid you won't want me anymore once we return to the real world."
Clark was shocked! "Lana, I don't want anyone but you in my life. You're it, everything I could ever want in a wife, you're perfect for me. I can't imagine a day without you."
"I've never had a relationship that lasted. Everyone finds a way to leave me, sooner or later." Lana confesses.
"Lana, listen to me carefully. I love you, and no one but you. I want to marry you, Lana; I want you to be my wife, the mother of our children. That is if you want me."
Lana climbs into his lap. "I love you too Clark Kent, my Superman. Yes, I would love to be your wife and the mother of our children!"
END FLASHBACK #2
"Clark, that 2nd conversation sounded a lot like a proposal and an acceptance. Are we engaged?"
"Lana, that was close, really close. Do you trust me?"
"Of course."
"Ok then, your question will be answered soon. Very, very soon. I promise."
Clark rose to his feet, reached for Lana's hand which she freely gave him, and pulled her with him to the bed room.
The celebration continued sans plush, white robes.