"Hey Lottie, Tim is up front," Hunter called to where Lottie was in the back office. All of her employees knew she liked knowing when Tim stopped by. She felt a weird sense to check on him ever since he started coming back to the cafe.
"Again? He was here yesterday."
"He seems prepped to hunker down," Hunter added.
"Okay, I'm coming," She stacked the paperwork she had been working on and left the office.
"Tim, I wasn't expecting to see you again this week," She greeted.
"Yeah, I wanted a change of scenery. The manor can be a lot sometimes," Tim took his order from Hunter.
"Well you've always been welcomed here. Gonna work on homework?" She nodded to the back pack over his shoulder.
"Something like that," He smiled as he paid. He sat at a table in the back corner and got to work.
Lottie couldn't help but worry about him. He was the closest thing in Gotham she had to a nephew, and she had known him his whole life. She felt like she owed it to Janet to at least look out for her son.
Living with Bruce Wayne couldn't be easy. Wayne had grown up significantly since Lottie had moved to Gotham, but the man still had a bachelor's reputation even after taking in three kids. Not a reassuring track record to Lottie, no matter how nice he had seemed when they met.
She wished she could do more for Tim. Maybe she could make an effort to attend events she knew Wayne would be at. If she knew him better, maybe she wouldn't be as uncomfortable about Tim living with him. Not that anything would change if she ended up not liking Wayne.
She didn't like the idea though. She had made an effort over the years to only attend charity events. She was blessed with a significant income from singing, and her father was a retired financial advisor. He had made smart investments with her money before she turned eighteen, basically setting her up to live any way she wanted for life. So she used it to run the cafe a little more lavishly than it's income allowed and donate to worthy causes in Gotham and her hometown of Chicago.
Charity events usually had a smaller number of questionable characters in attendance and Lottie could slip out unnoticed when she wanted.
Bruce Wayne seemed to be of the opposite mindset. He always seemed off on wild adventures, or attending eleaborate parties all over the world. At least, that's how he was portrayed by seemingly everyone, including himself.
She still couldn't shake that moment durning their first meeting, she knew there was more to him than that. Just why was he perpetuating this persona when anyone with two brain cells around him could tell he wasn't the shallow playboy he pretended to be? Why couldn't she just let it go? It's not like her and Wayne had any ties besides Tim. That genuine smile he had given her lingered in her head longer than she was willing to admit.
"Earth to Lottie," Abby waved a hand in front of her.
"Oh hey! When did you get here?" Lottie snapped out of her thoughts.
"Like three minutes ago. Where'd you zone out to?" Abby asked.
Lottie gave a quick glance over to where Tim was sitting. Abby caught on immediately.
"Ah. Are you really that worried about him?"
Lottie pulled her back into the kitchen.
"I mean, kind of? Bruce Wayne doesn't have the most stunning reputation. He just came out of nowhere and takes Tim in. Doesn't that seem strange?"
"Charlotte Fuller, you of all people should know the media can't be trusted," Abby scolded, "And only you would be skeptical of a philanthropist," Abby rolled her eyes.
"I'm not talking about that," Lottie waved her off, "I mean he seems… I don't know, something just feels off."
"I think you have a protective instinct over Timmy because you've known him well most of his life, even after you and Janet drifted apart," Abby patted her arm, "But you're not giving Tim enough credit here. He's incredibly smart, he wouldn't stay with someone who treats him shitty. The kid no doubt inherited enough money to be emancipated if he wanted, but he instead stays with Wayne. So maybe trust him on this?"
"You're right, but I can't help but worry," Lottie sighed.
"You're overthinking it. If Bruce Wayne wasn't fit to be a parent, the courts wouldn't have let him take Tim in."
Abby was always ready to come after things with logic and empathy in a way Lottie didn't. It's one of the things Lottie admired about her.
"I'm so glad I have you here," Lottie hugged her.
"That's what best friends are for," Abby hugged her back, and patted her shoulder,"Besides, Bruce Wayne is probably the least morally corrupt billionaire in Gotham."
Even with Abby's sound logic, Lottie couldn't help the growing anxiety every time she saw a news story about Bruce Wayne's wild escapades. Did this man ever stop to think how this would affect Tim? He had already lost. one father, he didn't need to lose another.
After a month of Tim visiting almost everyday, Lottie's growing anxiety couldn't take it anymore.
"Alright Tim, I need answers," Lottie sat at the table Tim had claimed. She placed an americano in front of him.
"What do you mean?" Tim looked up from what he was working on.
"Don't play dumb, you're too smart to be convincing at it. You've been here constantly. You never did that, even when your parents were out of town," Lottie sighed, "Tim, is everything okay? Should I be worried?"
Tim caught her implied question and his eyes widened in shock.
"No! It's nothing like that! Bruce and Alfred are great! I'm happy with them, it's just…" he hesitated and sighed, "It's just, sometimes it can be stifling. I spent a lot of time alone before, and now I just need to be alone sometimes. Be a normal kid, not Bruce Wayne's ward or Jack Drake's heir, ya know?"
Lottie did know, maybe a little too well. The weight of notoriety was a lot for anyone, especially a teenager still trying to figure out their identity.
"I do. That's part of the reason your mom and I became friends actually. She was the one normal thing in my life for a while."
"Really? She never explained how you guys met. Just said you met one summer," Tim perked up at the mention of his mother.
"I suppose she wouldn't want to tell you she wasn't a goody two shoes. We were drunk off our asses at a party when we were sixteen. Not the best example," Lottie laughed.
"I guess that wouldn't be something she'd want to tell me," He smiled. They sat in companionable silence for a moment.
"I guess another reason I keep coming is because I have good memories of Mom here." He added, "It's one of the last ties I have to her. And you, of course," Lottie smiled, reassured a bit.
"Well, I can always tell you stories about our younger years whenever you want. I know that helps me when I miss my mom."
"Thanks, but not today. I need to get going before Bruce convinces himself I went missing," Tim started packing his stuff, "He's actually a big worrier."
"He doesn't know you're here?"
"He probably does, but I never out right told him where I was going. And if he doesn't know, Alfred definitely does. Alfred knows everything," Tim chuckled.
"Alfred sounds awesome, you should bring him by at some point."
"Maybe I will. I think you and him would get along really well. Neither of you let me get away with anything."
Lottie laughed at that. "I like him already. See you tomorrow Timmy."
"Bye Lottie."
A month later, Lottie found herself waiting outside the CEO of Wayne Enterprises office.
She wracked her brain to figure out what Mr. Fox could possibly want with her. She was a has-been pop-star living a quiet life. What could an international company want from her? Besides her one encounter with Wayne, she had never interacted with anyone from the company's leadership.
"Ms. Fuller, Mr. Fox is ready for you now," the secretary informed her, opening the door to Mr. Fox's office. Lottie stepped inside, only to be surprised to see Bruce Wayne with an older gentleman.
"Good afternoon Ms. Fuller," the older man greeted, "I'm Lucius Fox, and I'm told you've already met Bruce." Lottie shook Mr. Fox's hand.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Fox. Please, call me Lottie," Lottie nodded to Bruce, "Nice to see you again Mr. Wayne. Forgive me, gentlemen, for jumping straight to the point, but the request I received was a bit vague. What exactly is this meeting for?" She wasn't sure who was actually leading the meeting, so she passed a look to both of them.
"We have a proposition for you, concerning your cafe. Please have a seat," Mr. Fox motioned to a corner of the office that had a small couch and two armchairs. She sat on the couch, and was surprised when Bruce sat next to her.
Mr. Fox handed her a file folder, which she opened to see a partnership proposal.
"Ms. Fuller, have you ever considered expanding your cafe?" Bruce asked. He was sticking with her last name. She regarded him with a critical eye.
He seemed fine at first glance, almost nonchalant, but upon a closer look, he was sitting stiffly on the leather couch. Did she make him uncomfortable? Or was he actually nervous about this meeting? This man was so confusing.
"I've toyed with the idea, but it doesn't appeal to me much," She said as she skimmed the file, "I prefer to keep it small so I can manage it myself. Broader World was a shared dream with my late mother and grandmother," She snapped the file shut and looked at Mr. Fox, "The goal has never been about building a business empire. I want to give people a comfortable place to just take a break once in a while."
She understood what they were going to ask her, and she was admittedly wary.
Most of her life, men in power like them had always tried to use Lottie to make themselves more money. Be it through her voice, her looks, influence, or the cafe itself, Lottie had fought to keep her independence and not be a sellout. It had taken years for people to learn they couldn't take advantage of her. No one would change that now.
"Please, let's just cut to the chase, gentlemen. What exactly do you want with my cafe from this proposed partnership?" She lifted the file up.
The men shared a look.
"We recently failed to come to an agreement with our in house food vendor. So now we're in search of a new one," Mr. Fox explained, "The employees voted on bringing in someone local."
"And you decided my little hole in the wall cafe was a good choice?" Lottie was skeptical. It felt like there was an ulterior motive.
"That's quite the humble take, Lottie," Mr. Fox chuckled.
"I prefer to live without certain delusions of grandeur, Mr. Fox. I had enough of those when I was younger."
"Despite what you may believe, Ms. Fuller," Bruce interjected, "Broader World Cafe has one of the highest ratings in Gotham. And a mutual friend recommended it."
There it was. She was wondering if Tim would be brought up. It made more sense now why Bruce was trying to convince her.
"You don't like Tim spending time at my shop, Mr. Wayne?" She turned to him with a stern gaze. Lottie had seen Tim almost everyday for the last few months. She had wondered if Bruce had even known where Tim was. Apparently he did.
"On the contrary, I'm pleased Tim isn't isolating himself in his room, but I still like being able to keep an eye on him," A sad look flashed across his face. She was harshly reminded that Bruce Wayne had lost one son only a few years ago. She couldn't blame him for being cautious with Tim.
"Now I understand," She stood as she pulled a business card from her purse, "I'll look over your proposal closer and consider the offer. And I have to discuss it with my business partner. We can then go from there," She held out the card. Bruce took it and produced one of his own.
"If you have any questions, you can contact me directly. We have another four months on the current contract, so please take you time on a decision," He told her as she put his card in her purse.
"Well Mr. Fox, Mr. Wayne," She turned to them, "Thank you for your time and the offer. Hopefully we'll be working together in the future," She shook Mr. Fox's hand.
"Please Ms. Fuller, let me walk you out," Bruce said instead of shaking her hand. She wanted to protest, but she didn't have a valid excuse. They entered the elevator and a heavy silence hung in the air. She got the sense he was waiting for something.
Well, she wasn't one to let awkward situations drag out.
"Can I ask you something?" Lottie broke the quiet.
"Of course."
"What led you to take in Tim? Or any child? As far as I ever knew, the Drakes didn't associate with you much," She leaned against the railing in the elevator to get a better look at him. She wanted to know what made Bruce Wayne tick. Why did he seem to be putting on a show for the public when there seemed to be a genuine good person under the 'Brucie' persona. Abby had made a good point about the media. Lottie knew first hand how much hyperbole they used, or how quickly an untrue rumor could spread, but Bruce seemed to be playing that up to an extreme. And the media fell for it.
"I have the means to help, so why shouldn't I?"
"By that logic, you could probably have a whole county of foster kids on your own," Lottie joked.
"I do have whole philanthropic endeavors for children in foster care," He countered. Lottie didn't think he was trying to brag, but damn, she underestimated just how much money he had. And how big his heart was.
"Two of my boys saw the horrors of foster care firsthand. It was a fight to gain custody of Dick, my oldest. I don't think I have the emotional energy to fight the bureaucratic headache constantly."
"I didn't mean to imply anything, Mr. Wayne. I know you do a tremendous amount of good for this city—" The elevator doors opened, cutting Lottie off.
"No need to explain yourself Ms. Fuller. I know you're concerned for Tim. I don't blame you, given my reputation," Bruce continued to walk with her. Was he planning to walk her all the way to the door? How chivalrous of him.
"I'm convinced at this point 'Brucie Wayne' is an act. Solely based on how Tim talks about you and our few encounters." She teased.
Bruce gave her a conspiratorial smile. "To answer your original question, Tim stayed with me after Janet died and Jack was still in a coma. Him and Dick became close throughout that time and continued to stay close. Tim was so lonely, I couldn't bring myself to push him out. If Dick was visiting, Tim was there. They became like brothers. Tim brought light to the manor again, after—" Bruce trailed off. Lottie knew he was thinking of his second son, the one who had died. She couldn't remember the poor kid's name, but her heart went out to Bruce.
"I just got an idea," He abruptly changed the subject. She gave him a confused smile. "Would you like to see the cafe space? It might help you make an informed decision."
If she didn't know better, she'd think he was trying to prolong the meeting. She glanced at her watch and frowned.
"I'm afraid I have to decline. The after school rush will start soon and I have a new hire I'm training."
"Another time then. I meant it when I said to contact me directly. I'll personally give you a tour."
"A tour from the man himself? I'll have to book you for my soonest opening," She smiled. She had to admit he was naturally charming, "I'll be in touch," Lottie winked as they shook hands.
"I look forward to it," He smiled back, letting his hand linger a second too long.
"What's got you in a good mood?" Robin asked as they settled in for a stakeout. It was subtle, but Batman seemed to be less broody than usual.
"I had a promising meeting today," Batman scanned the warehouse they were watching.
"Meeting for business or pleasure?"
"Business, mostly," Batman handed Robin an infrared scanner, "Tell me if you see anything," He ignored Robin's questioning look.
Robin had been his partner for several years now, a hero in his own right at this point. Batman had to admit, he did enjoy the nights when they worked together, especially stakeouts, where they could catch up.
"I don't see anything of note yet. Guess Penguin doesn't start this early," Robin shrugged. It was a bit early for patrol, but Oracle had given them intel about a weapons deal Penguin was making tonight.
"Batman, something just came up you might want to know." Speaking of Oracle…
"What happened, O?" Robin asked.
"Garfield Lynns was just released from Arkham."
"Firefly? Why?" Robin asked. Batman was content to let him carry the conversation.
"Someone paid for his release."
"Who?" Batman joined in.
"That's the strange part, I can't find the information. There's no record of bail. It's like it doesn't exist."
"Or someone paid off the record."
"Wouldn't be the first time at Arkham," Robin rolled his eyes. Batman had to agree with his sentiment.
"I'll keep digging. Should have something for you by the end of your night."
"Thanks Oracle. We'll keep an eye out for Lynns," Batman turned back to the warehouse.
"Wow a whole thank you. Someone's in a good mood."
"I know!" Robin chirped, "I swear he almost smiled earlier!"
"I want all the details later, Robin. Nightwing is stopping by too, he'll definitely want to know."
Batman huffed at his partners' antics, but let them be. They could have their fun for now.