*EDITED TO ADD* I dont know what's going on with the formatting. I enter it with correct formatting and the site keeps altering it to this one giant run on paragraph after publishing. I didn't even realize until @railman pointed it out, and went back to see some of my other stories did the same thing. So sorry! Trying to fix. If anyone has come across this and knows how to fix, I would be very grateful for any help! xoxo
*Update: I think I have fixed it, and I will go back and fix my other stories this happened to!
A/N: This is a longer chapter, sorry in advance! I hope I'm doing our loves justice in this story, I'm finding that writing them in this context (Walter calm/controlled and Paige a nervous wreck) is very challenging, but I'm determined!
I have effectively NO experience with wealthy family, grew up poor and barely scrape by now, but, I do have plenty of experience with awful family who treat you like yesterday's garbage, and the many mixed emotions that come with that, so leading with that at the forefront of my mind. If you've ever seen Princess and the Frog, I had Lottie, Tiana's blonde rich girl best friend, in my mind while writing parts of Julia - rapid speech, full of herself, just looking for wealth and to marry a prince. Though, Lottie turned out good in the end. I dont know about Julia yet. lol.
Alright, that's my notes! And, at least for now, I dont think I'll have any murder mysteries, and I promise (for now) not to try and kill Paige this time. I know I keep doing that lol. My passive aggressive way of harming her for leaving my sweet, innocent Walter? lol. Like, hello, Paige?! Have you SEEN him? Good lord. I would not kick that man out of my bed...
Okay! Story time!!!!
Xoxo
--
Together, Walter and Paige entered the lobby and were greeted by a middle-aged, unassuming man wearing a sleek black suit behind the desk, with a gold engraved name pin that read Leonard.
"Good evening, welcome to Luchessi Hills Winery! My name is Leonard. How may I help you, folks?" The man was graying at the temples, with a warm smile and kind blue eyes, clearly having spent his entire career in hospitality, and carrying himself in a way that instantly made you feel at home and welcome in his presence.
"Hi there. Uh, Paige Dineen and Walter O'Brien. We're here for Julia Thompson's wedding." Paige offered, her nervous energy reigniting at the mention of her insufferable cousin's name.
Walter, without looking, gently stroked her arm in comfort, sending chills down her spine. Almost absent-minded he had done so, to the point it made her even more nervous. She wasn't sure what had come over him, but in the last ten minutes, he had held her hand, hugged her, and now was caressing her arm. Walter O'Brien, who hugged like a leper, initiating a multitude of contact with her. Whatever it was, she liked it and hoped it didn't go away.
Maybe this weekend really could be the kick in the pants they both needed to figure them out. He was definitely the more reserved, so she opted to go at his pace, see where it led, if anywhere. But, reminding herself that she had been going at his pace for three years, and all she'd gotten was one fiery kiss that he quickly aborted. Maybe she'd test and tempt his pace this weekend... just a bit.
What could it hurt?
"Of course, Ms Dineen. Ms Thompson and Mr Blakely have been expecting you. Let me just pull up your reservation." He tapped away at the computer, and Paige suppressed a laugh, biting her lip as Walter fought back his frustration, eyes wide in disbelief, at how slow the man typed, one finger at a time.
D -- I -- N --
"Uh, sorry, where is the meet and greet? We're a bit late…" Paige asked, looking around.
Walter ground his teeth when the man looked up from the keyboard, stopping his finger movements to address Paige.
So inefficient.
Maybe he could just grab the keyboard…
He let his fingers slowly crawl across the counter top toward the computer, but with a suppressed laugh, Paige swatted his arm. Attempting his best face of innocence, he reluctantly pulled his arm back.
"Nice try..." She whispered playfully as Leonard spoke.
"Ah, yes. Just through the dining room there, on the back terrace. Several of our house made classic wines, cheese and h'ordearves are being served about, and there is also a buffet prepared and set up on the main terrace for your enjoyment."
"Ah, yes, wine. Thank you. Lots of wine." Leonard went back to typing with a smirk, and Paige turned to Walter, a bundle of nerves.
"Do I look okay? Maybe I should change. I should probably change. What was I thinking wearing this? They'll expect a dress…" She had donned a nice sleeveless blouse and slacks, he didn't understand why she was concerned. She looked beautiful.
She always looked beautiful.
"You look very... aesthetically pleasing. And dressed properly for the elements. You'll be fine, Paige." She looked so helpless, and he just wanted to scoop her up and run away. "Go ahead. I'll meet you out there once we are checked in, and I drop the bags off to the rooms." Walter suggested, urging her out.
Rooms.
She bit that lip again.
Uh oh…
Probably best she left the vicinity before he learned they were sharing a room. She briefly wondered if Walter was a bed by the window or bed by the door hotel guy. The thought made her laugh internally. This ought to be interesting.
"Yeah. Okay. Just…no--"
" Leaving. I promise. I will meet you with the vultures. Have a drink or something." He chuckled and looked back to one-finger-Lenny before shaking his head. "Ten minutes. Max... I hope."
"Okay." She squeezed his forearm, delighting in the muscular tone beneath her fingers and giggling at his torture at watching Leonard. "I'll see you soon. Ten minutes, I'm sending a search party... or better yet, I'm hopping in the car and leaving you here with them."
He grinned, anxious-Paige was very entertaining and foreign to him. Nodding to her, she slowly and apprehensively walked off in the direction that one-finger-Lenny had sent her. With a chuckle, he turned impatient eyes back to Leonard. Waiting what felt like hours, but in reality was only a few awkward, impatient minutes awaiting Lenny to learn the keyboard, Leonard finally finished and looked up.
"Alright. Here is your key, Mr O'Brien. You'll be staying in room number 27. Has beautiful views of the vineyard. Up the main staircase, and it will be down on the left."
"Thank you." Walter accepted the key and stood, waiting. Leonard stood anticipating further discussion.
"Mr O'Brien? Was there something else?"
"The other room?" Leonard looked very uneasy.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir, there was only one room booked for this reservation."
Walter's face was drained of color. Being all expenses paid, he rationed that it made sense, but hadn't expected this turn of events.
One room.
Together.
"Right. Um, okay. I see. May I book an additional room?" He started pulling out his wallet.
"I'm so sorry, Sir. The establishment is fully booked for the wedding." Leonard was so uncomfortable.
A wave of nerves and excitement rushed through Walter.
The same room.
Together.
All weekend.
Oh boy.
Paige was not going to like this development. She was already so worked up as it was. Whatever the case, he needed to protect Paige this weekend. From her family. From herself. He would do right by her. He needed her to see that he would be there for her, keep her safe physically and mentally, be a safe space for her to turn to. That he could open up, for her. Be that guy that she deserved. He would do whatever it took.
Including sharing a room.
"It's… okay. I understand. Um. Okay. Alright, uh, thank you, Leonard."
Frantic, he moved to grab their bags, trying to figure out how best to break the news to Paige, hoping this wouldn't push her over the proverbial ledge she was already teetering on.
"Sir, I'm happy to bring the bags up for you so you can join your…uh, Ms Dineen… outside. Least I can do for the, uh, mix-up."
It wasn't really a mix-up, so much as Walter not knowing, which he could argue, but he really just wanted to get back out to Paige before she felt abandoned.
"Oh, um, sure. Thank you."
Pocketing the key for later, and not even remotely gracefully slipping Leonard a $20 bill, he hastily exited in the direction of Paige, crossing through several grand common rooms, and a large dining room.
Making his way toward the arched open doors to the terrace, he caught a glimpse of Paige, standing awkwardly alone and facing away from him, her curled hair being scooped up lightly in the soft breeze, clearly scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Though, he couldn't be sure if it was to greet them or avoid them.
Dozens of people were scattered about, socializing, drinking wine. All very astute looking, in high-end classy cocktail attire, a group of men on the far end smoking cigars - another male bonding activity he didn't understand. Waiters wearing white shirts, black vests and ties, with pressed black slacks, they were picture perfect of class and professionalism, carrying trays of different appetizers and wine glasses. A plethora of tables scattered the multi- level terrace, with smaller 2-person bistro tables in the grass below. Each table adorned with dinnerware and long tapered candles flickering in the setting sun. From where he stood it was clear that there would be no expense spared for this weekend's events, noting how this was the most casual event planned, and it was fancier than even the VOR Collective parties he had attended.
A tall, older woman, with what he noted to be impeccable posture, crossed the terrace and approached Paige. Walter watched on as she looked Paige over top to bottom disapprovingly, grasped Paige's shoulders, and kissed her cheek. There was a resemblance. Actually, more of a resemblance to Veronica than Paige, but they shared those dark, cunning eyes, the facial structure, and of course the height.
He could just barely make out their voices, and stood back observing. The elder sporting expertly pinned back gray hair, a soft pink tweed pencil skirt and cream flowing blouse tucked in, with matching tweed blazer, and carried herself as someone of importance, commanding respect. He always wondered how someone could muster such an effect. Cabe had that, but it was more as a result of the badge and his constant threat to shove his shoe up a person's behind. This woman grasping Paige made no threat, carried no gun or badge. And yet, he was intimidated by her, and by the looks of it, so was Paige. It was fascinating, and upsetting, to see Paige in this element. She had been right. These people clearly came from money and status. They were night and day different from the easy going, down to earth, bad ass Paige he knew and loved.
"Paige, my dear! You finally made it! How nice of you to join us... Do they not possess watches over there in Los Angeles?" The elder woman stated, words dripping with sarcasm, again looking Paige over.
He didn't like this exchange so far. Especially didn't like how he could see Paige's jaw tense.
"Hi Nana, yes, I made it. It's so good to see you. I apologize for being late, I had work, and hit some traffic. It's not exactly down the street, Nan."
"Well…" the woman scoffed. "I guess it's just good you arrived. You look thin. Too thin. Are you eating enough? Perhaps Uncle Harold should take a look at you. Is it the weight problem that made you think this was appropriate attire? Do you need money for proper fitting clothing? Groceries?"
He watched as Paige's shoulders tensed and locked, and she sighed. Whenever she got like that, she was usually about to voice some not nice thing.
"Yes, Nana, I'm eating. Uncle Harold will do no such thing. I'm very healthy. No, I don't need money, I'm doing just fine. How are you, Nan? How's Papa? Julia says he's actually considering retirement?" She changed the subject, desperate for the ridicule to end… and to avoid Uncle Harold, Veronica's eldest brother, the elite doctor of the family who could do no wrong, and had houses in St Thomas, London, Hawaii, and Greece.
"Oh we're just fine dear, business is going well, the foundation is doing excellent. You know Papa, he's always retiring. He wouldn't know what to do with himself, though. But, enough about us, dear! Julia tells me that you have a new gentleman suitor."
Walter's ears piqued, and he flushed at the mention. Paige looked incredibly uncomfortable.
Suitor.
What had she told her cousin? And how could he protect her from this onslaught of an interrogation?
A waiter passed by with a tray of wine glasses.
"Good evening, Sir. Can I interest you in a glass of wine?"
Walter took two glasses from the tray, nodding in thanks and making his way toward the squirming Paige. All he could think about was the conversations they had while making picatta, about how things could be easier for her. He didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.
"Well, dear, where is this boyfriend? Julia says he owns some kind of a tech company? You know Papa would love to talk shop with him."
"Um, well, he's not my--" She froze as she saw his shadow to her side, and then immediately felt Walter's lips meet her cheek and saw the wine glass he extended out to her. "I, uh…"
What.
She turned questioning eyes to him, and fought the urge to touch her cheek where it was tingling.
"Sorry for taking so long, my sweet. We are all checked in."
My sweet?
Paige's face was one of shock and slight amusement, considering she had apparently stepped into the Twilight Zone. She took the wine, gulping back a sip.
She was going to need a few.
Walter just kissed her…
Waiter, keep them coming…
"That's alright, dear." She shot him a look that made him want to laugh, eyes wide and blinking slowly, intentionally trying to figure out what the hell was happening. But then shivered at the feel of his hand slipping around her lower back. It was so warm against the thin fabric of her blouse. She was so accustomed to touching him, briefly when she could, but it was not often he touched her. Not for no reason, at least. To save her life, sure. But just... because? Definitely not.
"Um, Nana, this is Walter… Walter O'Brien. Walter, this is my grandmother, Betty Thompson."
"Ms Thompson, it's a pleasure to meet you. You have quite the granddaughter."
Paige was certain Walter must have drunk a whole bottle of the wine as he extended his hand out to shake her grandmother's. Since when did Walter ever tell someone it was nice to meet them? Since when did he even repeat a name? Exchange pleasantries? That secured her belief. She had fallen asleep in the car and this was some weird dream. Had to be. Walter O'Brien being cordial. Touching her. Making small talk. Drinking wine.
Either that or whomever placed the bet on the world ending was about to win.
"She certainly is, Mr O'Brien. We are just delighted that you could join us for Julia's wedding." She shook his hand and looked him over much like she had to Paige, judging him, he had no doubt. "I understand that you own some type of tech company, is that right?"
Paige huffed. Always about the business prospects.
"Yes ma'am. Scorpion Technical Services."
She looked on completely bewildered, trying to remember even once that she had heard Walter use the term ma'am.
Pulling Paige closer to his side, he continued. Stuttering slightly when she switched her wine glass to the other hand so she could snake her arm around him as well, hooking it around his side.
"We run a hi-hiighly trained group of genius minds that work on a variety of issues all over the globe, consulting with Homeland Security, private companies, tech moguls, even working extensively with Richard Elia. We handle everything from simple server upgrades to stolen nuclear weapons, kidnappings, biothreats, and rogue satellites. You name it. Scorpion has been involved. Paige here manages the team and the business and has been pivotal to many lives saved countless times." He had a look of such pride while talking, a gleam in his eye, and she wondered if it was from his mention of Scorpion in general, or of her. One could hope.
"You don't say. That sounds like quite an adventurous career path, Paige. Papa and I thought you were still working at that awful diner, too proud to ask for help."
He wanted to wince from the way she was gripping his side so tightly.
"Uh, no. No, I've been with Scorpion for three years now, Nan. Papa and I talked all about it last Christmas? He even said he wanted to hire Scorpion to secure the company's servers... not that he actually called."
Walter was quick to discern that Betty and her husband were the ones who would decide if he were worthy and set the tone for how everyone else treated Paige for the weekend. But Betty was clearly the boss, the matriarch, the evil queen.
"Hmm. I'm certain we would remember that, Paige. Careful dear, that unfortunate upbringing of yours is a slippery game to play..." Walter could hear her teeth grinding, and her cheeks were reddening, and not from a pleasant blush. "Did you say nuclear devices, young man? Well, is this job dangerous, Mr O'Brien? Is my granddaughter even safe there with you?" Betty was definitely searching for reasons to disapprove despite their accomplishments.
Scorpion? Dangerous? Never.
"Nana--" Paige admonished through gritted teeth, Walter simply rubbed her back with his thumb, tracing calming circles into her flesh.
She wanted to leave, take him away from this harassment, have him touch her in other ways...
"There is risk involved, yes, but it's something very carefully calculated each time to avoid any danger. When you understand the risks, the science behind the tasks involved, and you know the odds down to a millisecond, the risks aren't as risky. Our team works incredibly cohesively to ensure our safety and best possible outcomes for all are always at the forefront of every mission. That said, ma'am, I would never allow anything to happen to your granddaughter." Walter interjected, proudly.
"Walter has risked his own life to save mine, and Ralph's, on many occasions, Nana. Even when we were on a hijacked subway train, completely unrelated to Scorpion. I assure you, there's no safer place than being with Walter." She smiled, a true, genuine smile at Walter.
They may be playing some level of pretend, but that was honest and true, and they both knew it. The look of love between them was not lost on Betty. Paige's word choice of being with Walter was also not lost on any of them.
"Oh, Ralph. How is he doing? Papa said he's some kind of genius? Is that so? Not handicapped like we thought?"
Again, Paige gripped his side like a vice.
Mama Bear Paige was not a force to mess with.
"No, he's not handicapped Nana. He's enabled. He is doing exceptionally well. He's twelve now, and is completing his bachelor's degree at CalTech in computer sciences." Paige's pride was radiating off of her, and quite a bit of spite.
"Surely, you're joking. A child at a prestigious university. That's unheard of! Is this one of your fanciful stories, again? You poor girl, your mothe--" Betty scoffed in disbelief.
" No ma'am, that's Ralph. He is beyond brilliant. Smartest person you'll ever meet. Tested by a Harvard professor, and doctor. He is a genius. And he is remarkable in his pursuits. He makes us all very proud." Walter grinned, no pretending necessary, and Paige leaned into his side, wanting to wrap herself up in his words, his pride, his acceptance. "He was integral in several major Scorpion cases, saving hundreds of lives, even worked with me to build a World War II era rocket which won a prestigious award. We launched it last year. He's an amazing young man, thanks to his incredible mom, of course, who is nothing short of remarkable herself, being the most honest, hard working person I've ever met. Ralph is lucky to have her as his mother."
Betty had an odd look on her face as she twiddled with her necklace and took a sip of her wine. Paige pulled him closer in gratitude for standing up for her and Ralph. Though, she was sure he wanted to launch himself at Nana for insinuating Ralph was anything short of spectacular.
One thing Paige knew with absolute certainty: Walter loved Ralph as if he were his own, and would travel the depths of hell to protect him, with his skin on fire, coals at his feet, and would not stop until he felt Ralph was safe and protected. It was why she first fell in love with him.
"Well, this is… I'm sure Papa would love to discuss this further. Sounds like my young grandson may have a future in the family business, after all." Paige faked a smile. She did not want Ralph to have to get caught up in the business mindset of her family. "Well, I'll leave you be, let you make the rounds. Paige, I'm glad you're here. Make sure you see Papa. He was awaiting your arrival. Mr O'Brien, it's been a pleasure chatting with you."
"Yes, yes. You as well." Walter stuttered out, shaking her hand once more.
Paige stepped forward slightly to kiss her grandmother's cheek, with a light one armed hug, wine in hand, clearly uncomfortable with the embrace. She was still looped around Walter's waist, and he had no intention of letting go of her if she wasn't letting go of him.
"I will be sure to see Papa, Nana." Betty stepped away, walking over to another group of people, exchanging fake niceties, and they both watched her leave, a wash of relief setting over them. Paige waited until the woman was out of ear shot before speaking. "Walter O'Brien. You kissed me." Paige grinned adoringly as she turned to look at her partner in crime. "In front of my poor, elderly grandmother no less."
Walter panicked, worried he had done the wrong thing, gone too far. He thought he had been doing the right thing at the time.
"I, uh…"
"Thank you." She whispered, placing a lingering kiss to his cheek. He froze, chills running down his spine, as her nose remained at his cheek for a few more seconds. Their arms still around one another.
"You're not… upset?"
"What? No. Absolutely not. Walter, you saw that I was flustered, saw I was being grilled by Nana about you, and you stepped in to make things easier for me. That's quite possibly the sweetest thing you could have done. Seriously, Walter, thank you."
She leaned in closer to him, and he tightened his hold on her, allowing her to rest her head against his shoulder. The breeze against her hair was sending her tell tale scent of lavender directly up to his sinuses, and the warmth of her body against his was the most welcomed feeling he had ever experienced.
"You weren't kidding about how intense they are. I saw her sizing you up from over there. She uh, doesn't have many nice things to say about you."
"Oh yeah. Never has. Either not eating enough, or she gives me phone numbers for people she knows who have had successful diets. Either too skinny, too fat, too single, too broke, work too much, don't work enough, you name it, she has said it…"
"That's… intrusive. You have a perfectly well-balanced diet, and your weight to height ratio is well within normal." He rationed simply.
Without even realizing he was doing it, his hand ran over her hip and waist, and she fought every urge to react. Distracting her enough, that she wouldn't even comment on his mention of her weight.
"Welcome to the Thompson family, sweetheart." She giggled, and he blushed. "So, everything went okay with check-in?"
She inwardly laughed as his hand froze in place and she heard his breath catch. She would not look at his face. She wouldn't be able to stop from laughing. Instead, she looked out at the view.
"Well, um. There's just one thing… You see... Well... and I tried to..." He started, his voice cracking, and she couldn't control it any longer, laughing at his poor, terrified face. "...wait. You knew there was only one room?"
She looked at him so guiltily, lips spread wide, teeth clenched and eyebrows raised in nervous expectation.
"I'm so sorry, Walter. I did. I called Monday to see if I could add a second room, but they were fully booked. I wanted to tell you, but I was so afraid you'd back out, and I actually found myself… excited… to spend the weekend with you..." That made his heart flutter. "Still, I'm sorry, I should have told you."
"No, it's fine, Paige. I'm not upset. I was worried you would be upset. Besides, it's not like we haven't slept together before." Paige stared at him in utter disbelief at what he had just said, eyes wide, brows raised, slow blinking at him, body tense. He looked confused by her reaction until realization dawned on him, and he flinched as if he had just been slapped. "Oh! No, no! Not like… And I… No… I meant… on cases… or planes… As in sleeping sleep. Not… that... I have no expectations. Oh boy. I was supposed to be making this easier, not more complica--"
She couldn't stop giggling and turned to face him. She was so glad he came. Her family didn't stand a chance at breaking her down if she had this bafoon by her side.
"I know what you meant, Walter." She ran her hand over his chest, and he watched the motion in amazement, and confusion. "Besides, it's not like we're sharing a bed. It's just a room. We'll be fine."
Oh boy, this was going to be an interesting weekend.
"Yes. Fine. Just two friends sharing a hotel room during a weekend away on a vineyard at a wedding. Totally fine."
Well, when he put it that way.
Romantic weekend getaway…
Just… friends.
Pretending to be not friends.
Oh boy.
"Is that my beautiful baby cousin?!" Saved by the... blonde?
A woman screeched, rushing up behind them and effectively tackling Paige from behind.
"Julia! Hiiiiii." Paige laughed awkwardly, turning around to hug the woman.
Walter watched on, intrigued by the exchange. Family was not something he understood very well in general, but this particular family was something of a brand new equation. Oddities. All of it.
"Paigelet! You are looking... nice. What is going on with your hair?! Remind me to show you the anti-aging cream I've been using! Angela recommended it, and it is absolutely top-notch perfection. I'm sure it could do wonders for you! Anyway! I'm so, so, so glad you're here! Can you believe I'm getting married!?!?"
The woman was a blonde version of Paige. Very blonde. Same features, bone structure, even the height like their grandmother, but she had light eyes, not brown. She was much heavier than Paige, too, which Walter wanted to point out to Betty.
"Thank you... so much..." He was coming to really appreciate the way that Paige could sound so genuine while being so snarky, and wondered how many times she had used that tactic on him. "Um, you look amazing, as always. I'm so happy for you, Nemo. You have been dreaming of this since we were little girls."
Paige seemed enthusiastic about her well wishes, but he couldn't tell if it was actually genuine. He was finding it difficult to read Paige here. Everything was so fake, and despite her stance on honesty and deception, she seemed to slip right into that role of false pretenses so easily around these people. It was confusing, as it was very not Paige.
"And you must be Walter. I've heard so much about you."
She gave him a similar look that Betty had, checking him over to determine his value. Like a pig at market. He was just a slab of meat until proven otherwise. Paige must have sensed his discomfort under the scrutiny of Julia's gaze and slipped her arm around his back again, pulling him close.
"Hi, yes, I'm Walter… uh. Paige's... boyfriend." He saw Paige bite her lip from his peripheral vision, and it made his heart race. "You must be Julia, the lovely bride to be. I have also heard a lot about you. And if I do say, the family resemblance is striking. There is so much beauty in one family. I'm not sure how your family managed."
Paige held back from sipping her wine, certain she would choke at this bizarre, charismatic side of Walter. Shocked at how well he was able to play the fake nice card and assimilate into this world. He shook Julia's hand and then draped his arm around Paige's shoulder, resting his hand against her bare upper arm, holding her close.
"Oh you're too sweet." Julia looked over to Paige and with a conspiratorial whisper they all could hear, said "This one's a keeper, Paigelet! Careful, he has plenty of options better than a broke, single mom, am I right?!" She gave an obnoxious laugh at Paige's expense.
Paige stiffened, and he eagerly changed the subject, kissing her temple, making her relax a little. If for no other reason than because she was reeling from him once again openly kissing her. At this rate, they'd be sharing a bed in no time. They'd be fake married before they even discussed their feelings.
"Paigelet? That's a unique nickname." Walter asked, amused.
Paige sighed, and a flash of annoyance struck her features. It only served to amuse him further.
"When we were little, Uncle Bill - Julia's father - was having pamphlets made for the company. We asked what a pamphlet was, and he explained it was a few pages' worth of information. 'Straight and to the point.' Well, Julia made a comment that I was always drowning on about random things, but also calling people out straight and to the point, and since it was a book of pages… the nickname was born and apparently still survives." Paige explained, and this time he could tell she was not happy the name made it to adulthood. Her irritation was abundantly clear. No EQ needed to crack that code.
"Paigelet. Got it... clever."
"Paigelet was never one for leisure. Always hustling, keeping everyone in line. Bossing everyone around." Julia added.
"That, uh, also survives." Walter joked. "Umph." He probably deserved that elbow to the ribs.
"And Jules, uh Nemo, got her nickname because she was always sailing away on some fantasy, like Captain Nemo in Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues." Paige joined in, a snarky undertone he was certain no one else would have picked up on.
"Ah, yes." He noted to ask about it after Julia left.
"Julia!" A man called from across the terrace.
"Oh. That's Michael. Excuse me. I'm so glad you're both here!" Julia spoke distractedly as she scurried away from them, crossing the terrace.
"Something tells me that girl has never read a book in her life." Walter chided, shaking his head.
"Uh, no. Definitely not. It's how I've been able to get away with calling her Nemo, without her catching on to the real reason for the nickname." Paige snickered.
"And what reason is that?"
"Views herself as being oppressed, despite her life of luxury, insists terrestrial laws don't apply to her, has a taste for the fine arts, boasts her wealth, megalomaniac, and believes she's more important than anyone in the room." Paige stamped out without pause and with a great deal of contempt.
"And how old were you when you put all of that together enough to give her a nickname?" He laughed.
"Uh… nine? Maybe eight?"
"Wow. Little Paigelet was… uh..." He couldn't think of a suitable word.
"A bitch? Yeah…" She laughed, sipping her wine, a very large sip. He smirked, and tightened his arm around her.
"I was going to say perceptive, but okay."
There was no one with them, no reason for the facade, and yet, Walter didn't release his hold on her, he maintained it. She smiled, if dealing with the vultures meant this, she was happy to be here.
"You wanna grab some food to soak up the ridiculous amount of wine I am sure to chug tonight?" She polished off her glass, pointing in the direction of the buffet setup.
He sipped from his own glass, not typically a drinker, but recognizing they were at a vineyard, and that Paige was in a state of distress and needing solidarity.
"Absolutely." He led them to the table, and chuckled as Paige grabbed another wine glass from a waiter walking by, placing her empty glass in its place. "Careful, you may be labeled a drunk, broke, single mom." He teased, handing her a plate.
"Good point. Maybe I should grab another. Double fist it. Really give them something to talk about."
"I don't think I've ever seen you so stressed before. We've diffused bombs with seconds to spare, saved entire countries. Why do the opinions of these people matter so much to you?" He spooned some food from the trays onto his plate.
The food looked delicious, but he wouldn't say that to her, she needed things here to be picked apart, not praised. Not your typical ziti and marinara buffet though. Quail. Steak. Lyonnaise potatoes. Roasted vegetables. More cheeses than he had ever seen in a spread.
"I could say the same to you about your family, Walt. Your neighbors back in Ireland. Your dad. Do you remember the rundown you gave Sylvester about each person in your family?" She bumped his shoulder with a grin.
"I concede your point."
"I always think it doesn't bother me anymore. I'm happy with the life I've built. I really am. But then I see them, and it's like I'm twelve years old again, being treated horribly because my mother was in jail again. Or I think of how poorly they treated my father because he was a laborer, not their vision of success. He didn't deserve what they put him through. All he wanted was to love my mother, raise his family right. He was a good, honest man, and it was bad enough that he had to deal with my mother's schemes, but to also have to endure their mockery and vitriol... it wasn't fair to him. He was a great man. And he didn't need four vacation homes or luxury cars to be amazing to me. He didn't care about any of that. He told me every single day I could be anything I wanted to be, and he would be proud so long as I was happy." She had such a wistful smile on her face as she reminisced.
It was rare that she spoke of her father, and he didn't take her opening up to him about what was clearly a painful part of her life lightly. No pretenses, no one watching, he leaned over and softly kissed the side of her head.
"He raised you to be better than all of this, Paige. I'm sure he's proud. I, uh... I know I am."
She wasn't going to draw attention to it, but he was different here, in ways she couldn't even explain.
Vulnerable.
Open.
It was giving her the courage to do the same.
She gave him a sad, weak smile of appreciation. With full plates, they walked off the terrace down to where one of the more private small bistro tables overlooking the vast fields of grape vines sat, a gorgeous red and orange colored sky ahead of them as the sun dipped down on the horizon.
"I don't know why they still have so much power over me, I barely see them. But every time I do, I feel like a loser. Like a total failure." She looked at him with sad eyes, and noted his expression which she couldn't decipher. Assuming a Walter response to be incoming. "It's irrational, I know..."
"No, Paige, I wasn't going to say that." Her eyebrows furrowed in question, urging him to continue. "I was going to say that I can actually understand that feeling. Being in a world, a family, that you belong to, but don't belong in. Feeling superior in many ways, me with my intellect, you with your humanity and humility, but yet, still feeling so... inferior. I was just going to tell you that I understand. I'm not judging you at all. If I'm being too intrusive..."
"No, no, Walter, not at all. I'm sorry for assuming your thoughts. I enjoy talking to you, about everything and anything. Please don't ever feel you can't ask me something." He nodded, staring so deeply at her she could feel his eyes burning in her soul. "And uh, thank you. I know you understand that feeling. I wish neither of us did. It's funny how you and I come from such drastically different backgrounds, have such different mindsets, and yet, at the end of the day can still share something so profound in common."
" 'The mystery of life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be lived.' A quote by Alan Wilson Watts. I always took it to mean something along the lines of the universe works in mysterious ways, and sometimes, perhaps, it's best we not understand the reasoning and just experience the opportunity it brings. In this instance, our unconventional upbringings led us to Scorpion, led us to being together... as um, friends..."
"Right. Friends." Or otherwise. She took another gulp of wine. "That's a very un-Walter way of thinking... trusting in the universe..." She busied herself with cutting her steak, eye contact feeling a bit overwhelming at the moment.
"Yeah, well, meeting you challenged a lot of my thinking. Forced me into new perspectives. Made me believe in a lot of things I was certain were foolish notions, junk science."
Her knife stopped. That was such a loaded response, and she could feel his eyes on her and, though it made absolutely no sense, she could hear the dopey smirk on his face. She wanted to respond. But say what? The first thing that came to mind was him telling her how he believed romantic love wasn't real, that it was junk science, a silly notion. Did he just inadvertently acknowledge he loved her? She knew that. He technically had told her before, not that he had any recollection of that experience. But, was that his Waltery way of somehow hinting at that? Oh boy.
"Do they know that Veronica is alive?" He asked, taking a bite of quail, breaking her free of her musings. Typical Walter, send her down her own Walter rabbit hole and then act like nothing happened. This man would be the death of her.
"Uh, I don't think so. If they do, they haven't said anything to me. As far as I know, Scorpion and Ralph are the only ones that know what really happened that day. They didn't even attend the funeral." Her words dripped with anger.
"The fake funeral." He attempted to lighten the moment.
"Well, you and I know that. But they didn't. Nana and Papa, as far as they are aware, lost their daughter, Bill and Harold lost their sister. I get that there were so many issues with her, but at the end of the day, they couldn't even be bothered to come to the funeral. They just sent a check in a card that had a generic with deepest sympathy. No call. Nothing." She stabbed a potato with far more force than was necessary.
"That does seem… cold."
"I can't imagine any falling out with Ralph ever being bad enough that I wouldn't attend his funeral. With anyone, really."
"That's what makes you different from them, Paige. You care about people, so much, that you're willing to put aside years of their mistreatment, dealing with their continued mistreatment, to be here in support of them. I don't think there's a person alive that has more humanity than you." He smiled, taking her hand.
"Thank you, Walter. For... being here. For being so understanding and supportive to me. It means a lot." She waited until he took a bite. "...and for the kisses."
He coughed.
Success.
She pursed her lips at how he squirmed.
"The sunset here is quite lovely." Desperate to change the attention onto anything else, he pointed with his fork to the glow of the sun. She giggled at his expense, but followed his line of sight.
"You definitely don't see a sunset like this in LA."
"I'll have to take you to Terranea Bluff. Great views of the sunset. Not quite as remarkable as this, but the best you'll get in LA."
She wondered if he knew how date-like that sounded.
"I'll pack us a picnic." She hid her grin behind her wine glass. Despite her heavy unease being around her family, she was enjoying herself immensely in Walter's company. "Uh oh." She looked off to the side of Walter, catching his attention to which he also looked as she took a large swig of her drink. A tall, commandeering, older man with thick gray hair, combed neatly back on the sides, wearing a very expensive navy blue suit was approaching them, glass of red wine in hand. The gold band of the wristwatch adorning his left hand was reflecting the light from the setting sun making him twinkle as he walked. " Daddy Warbucks, Walt. Daddy Warbucks!" She whispered harshly in warning before standing to greet the man, running her hand across Walter's shoulders as she stood.
"Oh..." He quickly stood as well, preparing himself mentally for what was to come.
"Papa!" She gave the man a warm hug, and Walter watched as he, too, looked her over, but more of concern and less judgment, unlike Betty.
"Peanut. Look at you! Looking beautiful as ever. Nana says she's worried you're not eating, but I say you look wonderful." Paige's smile reached her eyes, and Walter questioned if her relationship with her grandfather held a different value from the other members of the family. She wasn't as tense, and she didn't have the same air of bitterness about her with him.
"Aww. Thanks, Papa. You're looking pretty dapper yourself." Walter quietly stood behind them, and Paige looked back at him with a happy grin. "Papa, this is my, uh… this is Walter. Walter, this is my grandfather, Theodore Thompson."
She still had no idea how to introduce Walter. She was so for the game of make believe, even the subtle ways they were relaying powerful messages to each other by doing so. She recognized the necessity of deception in this regard, but blatant lying was not something that came easily to her. To call Walter her boyfriend meant something, and if she were going to say that, she wanted it to be real. Allowing her family to infer that meaning, even having Walter say it was fine, but she couldn't lie. Especially to her Papa.
"Mr Thompson, very nice to meet you, Sir." Walter extended his hand in greeting, ensuring his grip was firm. His father had taught him the importance of a firm handshake as a boy.
" Teddy, please. Walter, it is great to finally make your acquaintance. Betty tells me she found you to be quite an impressive young man."
"He is, Papa." Paige blushed, and Walter's insides flipped about like fish on the dock.
"I am told you have built a nice, solid business, Walter?"
"Yes, sir. Uh, Teddy. Nothing to build an empire on lucratively, but we do alright. It's rewarding in other ways, in the difference we make." Walter acknowledged, sheepishly, finding himself strangely intimidated by this man. Something that very few people had the power to do.
"I see. And should things progress between you and my granddaughter--"
"Papa, this isn't approp--"
"Paige. I'm speaking with Walter. Don't be rude."
Walter threaded his fingers through Paige's, holding it tightly in reassurance.
"Now, Walter, should things progress with Paige to the point of a union, which I assume is the ultimate goal…" Walter just stood there, unsure how to respond appropriately, acting or otherwise. "Will this company of yours be suitable to provide my granddaughter and my great grandson with a decent, stable life? Will they be comfortable?"
"Papa!--" Paige tried again, only to be cut off by Walter.
"Sir, making sure Paige and Ralph have the best possible life has been my only goal since the first moment I met them. Seeing to it that Ralph meets his full potential with his gifts, that he has a home where he is accepted, loved and recognized. Where Paige has a place to thrive with her skill set and knows how… how loved… and appreciated she is. Where neither of them ever feel like they're struggling… in any sense of the word. That's all that matters to me, Sir, and whether that comes from Scorpion, or in the future my taking some mindless desk job, there's nothing I would take more seriously than making sure they are both comfortable and cared for. Paige and Ralph are the priority."
Paige was holding her breath, and moisture was prickling at her eyes. Acting or otherwise, that felt very real. Or maybe she just wanted it to be.
"Well, I suppose I couldn't ask for more than that. Now, when Julia told us that Paige had a new gentleman in her life, I'm sure you'll understand, I had a private investigator run a check up on you, Mr O'Brien. You can never be too safe, am I right? I am concerned that you apparently have a sealed juvenile record. Care to explain that?"
"Papa!" Paige admonished angrily, terrified of this exact moment, and Walter fleeing, destroying all of the progress they'd made, running her hand through her hair in exasperation.
"Had you listened to me about that Drew fella, maybe you wouldn't have made such a mess of your life, Peanut. That boy was trouble! Someone has to look out for you, sweetheart." Teddy scolded back.
Paige flashed a look of impatience, but also defeat, and Walter squeezed her hand again. He hated seeing her being treated so poorly, but the team's comments about their bet and Walter ruining the wedding by pissing off her grandfather kept running through his mind. The last thing he wanted was to make things even worse for her by causing a scene by calling out Daddy Warbucks for their treatment of her.
"It's okay, Paige. It's not like I'm innocent of running background checks on people…or Drew." He laughed, thinking about his check of Drew and Tim… and everyone else that has ever walked through Scorpion's door. He brought his laptop, he'd have to run some checks on all these fun new people he was meeting. Hopefully give Paige some ammunition to throw back at them.
"Well, son, do I need to be concerned?"
"No, sir. Not at all. That offense was actually how I came to work with Homeland Security. As a child, I hacked into NASA to obtain space shuttle blueprints... I wanted to hang them on my wall. I was a very accomplished hacker, even as a child. Though, less skilled in my knowledge of consequences. When I was caught, I cut a deal, and to avoid prosecution, I consulted with the FBI on some of their cases. It was admittedly reckless, but my intentions were innocent." Walter shrugged, he still to this day didn't see the big deal.
They were just blueprints.
It wasn't like he took down the space shuttle.
"I see. Just a curious boy. I was once one of those myself. And you're from Ireland. Is that so?"
"Callan, yes. My parents are still there. They own a dairy farm. I emigrated to the states as a teenager with my late sister as part of my contract with the FBI."
"You don't carry an accent. I find that… odd. Paige, you don't find that odd? How do you know that he is who he says he is?"
"Papa, I know who Walter is. I have been to Ireland with Walter. I know his family, including his sister. Seen his childhood bedroom. NASA blueprints and all. He is without a doubt who he says he is." Paige rationed with a grin.
Walter was nothing if not very transparent with who he is. The most authentic, unapologetic person she'd ever known - well, maybe with the exception of Happy. Though, she may have a bias because she was so envious of Happy being so confident in herself. But Walter was a very close second. Maybe a tie.
"I found having an accent hindered me here in the states, kept me from being able to properly assimilate into the American business and technology worlds. I was not taken seriously for the work I could produce, or the intellect I possess. I was called a foreigner, a leprechaun, my ideas were easily dismissed. My sister was taunted as well, and her medical care suffered as a result. So, I worked hard to lose the accent to have the best chances for us both. I was young enough at the time that it wasn't that challenging. Occasionally, it slips out, but otherwise, no, sir, I do not have an accent any longer." Walter explained, simply.
Paige had never even asked him that. She had questioned it to herself, even to Sylvester once, but he hadn't known either. Neither of the O'Brien siblings spoke about it. Part of the mystery of Walter.
"Well, that seems like a smart business move on your part, Walter." Paige smiled, another one unable to break apart Walter, accepting defeat. She was tempted to sing Another One Bites the Dust, but refrained. "Well, I'll let the two of you finish your meal. Busy weekend ahead."
"Thank you, sir." Walter extended his hand to shake once more, growing tired of the gesture. Judging by Paige's squeezing his other hand, she recognized this and appreciated his efforts.
"It's good to see you, Papa." Paige leaned in to kiss his cheek and offer a hug.
"You hold onto that one, peanut." He whispered to Paige as he embraced her.
"Oh, I plan to, Papa."
Walter wouldn't admit he heard it, but he did. It was said under the guise of acting, of course.
Everything was just… an act.
Or was it…
Teddy kissed Paige's head and turned to walk off. They watched the tall, imposing man, hands in his pockets, as he returned to the terrace.
"Well, that's three down, only a few dozen to go!" Paige giggled, still holding tight to his hand. Walter smiled and briefed an awkward glance her way. "I can't get over how well you're mingling with the vultures, Walter. Dare I say, they may even like you." She teased, bumping his shoulder.
"I don't know how people do this all the time. This is exhausting." He quipped back, shaking his head. "People just get together… Just to judge each other… while drinking expensive wine?" She smirked and nodded. " Ludacris."
"Welcome to the lifestyles of the rich and famous. I told you, they're a lot."
"I think I would prefer a nuclear bomb." She laughed at his troubled face, leading him back to the table.
"Eat up, darling. I get the feeling that once Papa gets the word out, the rest of the vulchers will be circling you." She said sympathetically, releasing his hand to grab her wine.
Watching her knock back her wine had him feeling apprehensive. The lines between them were blurry as is, but this acting experiment was making them hard to even see, and he had to wonder if her need to chug the golden liquid was in part due to his actions and remarks.
"I apologize if I've made you uncomfortable in any way, Paige."
She was mid sip, and froze to look at him, slowly lowering the glass and swallowing.
"What? Why would you say that?"
"If my actions... My intention is to be helpful, comforting... there was no prior discussion however. So if doing so has made you uncomfortable..."
"Walter, no, not at all. You are my only comfort in this. I know you're stepping outside of your comfort level just to be here, nevermind playing the part of my boyfriend, and the uh, contact. I should be apologizing to you." She reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, before retracting it. He nodded, and she forked at a tomato on her plate. "But, no, Walt… you haven't made me uncomfortable at all. I actually find it… interesting with just how comfortable I am with your… uh, affections. I find it... endearing."
She braved a nervous glance up to him, who was red, and he quickly diverted his eyes down to his plate.
"I, um, am… quite comfortable… myself... with you... that is. Making, uh... contact."
He swallowed so loud she could hear it over the sound of her own chewing. That familiar warmth was spreading up her chest to settle on her cheeks once more, and she felt her breath stop.
Contact.
How she longed for more contact.
"Good. I uh, hope that doesn't change."
They exchanged a giddy look of excitement and hopefulness, mixed with nervous trepidation, setting their eyes on the falling sun, hearing the faint sounds of conversation behind them.