Athens Marina
Once at the marina Jade went straight to Dorian's desk and set up his flowers and sweets all nice and pretty. She fussed over the way it sat for a few minutes before she decided on a position that made her happy. She busied herself by opening windows and turning on the lights and fans before firing up her computer. She went to the main tank and looked over all the coral and fish inside. The tank was doing well and she was extremely happy with its growth. She returned to her desk to start writing up a few reports that she hadn't been able to finish due to her accident. She needed to document that as well so she got to work while waiting for Dorian to come in.
"Jade should be around here somewhere.." Madison told Aiden as they approached the marina. "This is like her second home." She chuckled lightly then moved towards the entrance to the building. "Jade? You in here?" She called loudly before stepping inside with a motion for Aiden to follow her.
"Glad to hear it, music and dance are two of my passions so I'd love to add something new to a town." Aiden commented as he followed Madison towards the marina. He looked over the bow of the boat they used to dive and smiled. "Beautiful view..." he muttered to himself before following Madison inside.
Jade was almost armpit deep in the tank when she heard Madison's voice. "Over here... hey grab that towel as you walk by it." She was busy moving coral around and fragging some of the larger pieces.
"No problem.." Madison replied before she moved to grab the towel and headed to where Jade was standing by the tank. "I have someone here to meet you." She said with a smile as she motioned for Aiden to join them. "This is Aiden, he just arrived in town. Aiden this is Jade.."
Jade glanced over her shoulder and gave Aiden a friendly smile. "One sec... just let me rehome this kenya..." Turning her attention back to the tank she placed a piece of coral on one of the higher rocks. "There we go." She removed her arms from the tank and slowly made her way down the ladder she was using. Taking the towel from Madison she quickly dried her arms and hands off before reaching out to Aiden. "Hey there! What can I do for you?"
Aiden immediately liked her, with only a few words spoken and he could tell they would get along. He reached out and wrapped his much larger hand around hers and gave it a gentle shake. "Nice to meet you. Sophie mentioned you may have a room for rent?" He asked, hoping he would be in luck.
Jade shook his hand in return and thought about his question for a moment before nodding her head. "Yeah, I think we can help you out there. Maddy has one, Archer's in the barn, Luke's in one room and then Teos and Ate are sharing... That leaves just the one available. I tell you what I told Teos, I don't really have any rules but no parties and help out around the house. Cleaning the dishes and such. I do a weekly run for groceries and I leave the list on the fridge for people to add things to it but other than that, I'm laid back."
Madison grinned then looked at Aiden. "So I'm guessing we're going to be housemates then. Maybe I can show you some more of my dancing then." She chuckled then looked back at Jade. "So..have you seen Dorian this morning yet?" She asked in a casual tone as she watched the other woman.
Aiden's smile brighten at Madison as he took in what the two women said. "Great! If love to watch you dance more... maybe even join you?" He asked hesitantly.
Jade frowned slightly at Madison's casual question and shook her head. "No... no I haven't. I believe he'll be in later but I'm not really sure if that'll happen after yesterday..."
"Just stay positive! He'll be here and everything will be great." Madison smiled at Jade before she looked at Aiden and her expression brightened. "You want to dance? Seriously? That would be amazing! I thought I was never going to find a partner in Athens Harbor!"
Jade smiled softly and nodded her head at Madison's optimism. "Thanks, Maddy. Now why don't you show our new guest around town? I'm sure he'd like a tour or something and since you two will be living together for a bit it'd be a nice chance to get to know each other."
Aiden stayed quiet during their small interaction, he knew something was amiss with Jade and someone named Dorian but he didn't want to ask questions. At Jade's invitation for them to go on a tour he held up his hands. "No no, Madison I wouldn't want to interfere with your day or put you out. I'm sure I can find my way around."
"Oh I don't mind at all. I'd just need to run back to the house and get cleaned up then make a stop to see my brother. You don't mind a quick trip to the hospital do you?" Madison asked as she watched Aiden.
"Well if you are sure." Aiden hesitated, clearly not wanting to be a pain. "I wouldn't mind accompanying you to the hospital. After all, that's part of the town so it'd be good to know where it is." He gave her a playful wink as he turned to Jade. "Thank you for opening your home to me. It was really nice to meet you."
Jade poked Madison gently on the shoulder. "Tell Jace I'll be by around lunch. I'm going to stop by before the yacht party." She turned back to the fish tank, setting the towel aside she climbed back up the ladder to the top step and got back to work. "I guess I'll see you both later, enjoy your day."
"You too. I'll see you later." Madison smiled one last time at Jade then turned and headed back outside, expecting Aiden to follow her. "So we'll just stop by the house so you can drop your bag off and I can get changed then we'll go see my brother before I take you on a tour." She told him before she looked at him curiously. "Do you really dance?"
Aiden smiled softly and placed his hand over his heart as he followed Madison outside. "I swear to you that I dance. I wouldn't lie to you. I'm pretty well rounded when it comes to dancing too. I enjoy all styles for the most part." He hefted his bag over his shoulder so that it was easier to carry as he followed her through town.
"Well that's amazing. You've definitely brightened my day." Madison smiled. "No man's been brave enough to volunteer to dance with me so thank you. I look forward to it. Now let's get moving, Jace is probably getting lonely." She chuckled then headed off in the direction of
BotO jade's house.
Even as he parked, Cash was trying to pry more information out of Risk about his new--and apparently quite news-worthy--a
ssistant. "I've always said you needed one, so I don't get why you wouldn't tell me~ Especially if you've known her long enough to mix business with pleasure. Is it serious? It has to be serious. That was a stupid question. Ignore it. But why didn't you tell me~? This is big! Huge! It might take up the entire boating trip, and that's just not fair to all the other rich topics of conversation so deserving of our attentions..."
More than happy his friends seemed distracted from his own business for the time being, Dorian only chuckled as he opened the door and climbed out, holding it so Risk could exit as well. "I'll be right back," he assured them, though he didn't expect to be acknowledged as Cash continued his barrage. He followed the familiar, short path up to the marina and entered the office with motions controlled by mostly muscle memory. Inside, however, his purposeful stride slowed as he approached his desk and noticed the gifts arranged on it. His favorite sweets, his favorite flowers in a beautiful vase. But, his birthday was several months away. He tilted his head, his smile reflexively nailing itself to his face again. It was an apology then. He gently pushed the sweets out of the way, retrieved his work laptop and a singular notebook before turning to leave.
Risk climbed out of the car after Dorian and watched him head inside. While Dorian was tending to the work he needed to complete, Risk gathered his and the other men's fishing gear out of the trunk and headed for Dorian's modest vessel on its dock. "I'm so sorry to have kept something so riveting from you," he laughed back at Cash, "but a gentleman does not kiss and tell. Lena deserves better than that." he winked.
The redhead stepped out of the car as well, if only so that he could continue pestering Risk: "I'm not upset about the kiss~ I would've weaseled that out of you anyways, so I'm not worried about that. I'm upset you didn't even tell me you had an assistant! Unless... Gasp!" Cash clutched his fishing rod to his chest as he gave Risk a scandalized expression. "You didn't! You wouldn't. But you did, didn't you! You kissed her before hiring her?!"
Risk stopped in his tracks and turned to his friend, his eyebrows going up and blinking his eyes at him incredulously. "Cash!" he said, exasperated, "I would never!" He pouted and shook his head, though a smile was underlying his eyes. "Lena was new in town and needed a place to stay and a job, so I obliged her both. It was mere coincidence that she and I fancy each other." He hopped off the dock and onto Dorian's boat, putting his fishing gear down near a port side seat he would claim for their trip on the water.
"Still~ It's pretty quick of you to kiss her before I even learn her name. Or even her existence!" Cash pointed out with a grin as he climbed in. "Unless you were planning to trim out any competition... It's not like I can't keep a secret, Risk," the redhead pouted.
"I swear to you, it's nothing of the sort," Risk laughed lightly and holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "It's just that we've been too busy to be spreading news of our budding affections. And besides, as I said before, I'm not even sure it is serious. We've only just begun and neither of us wants to move too fast, so..." He shrugged and settled into his seat and crossed one leg over the opposite knee. "Is Dorian bringing the cooler of snacks and drinks?"
Cash sighed, but nodded in acknowledgement as he set down his fishing rod: "Yeah, yeah. I guess that makes sense..." The redhead paused before sitting down and smiling in the certainty that Dorian would never be a less-than-gracious host. "Well, it is his boat."
Another light smile lit up Risk's face at Cash's quip. He leaned back in his chair, just feeling the boat rock back and forth against the dock for a moment before he said, "Something seems different about Dorian to me. I know I don't know him nearly as well as you, but I did interact with him a bit recently and it seems... off from that, too. I'm not quite sure what it is. Have you noticed anything?"
"Like I said this morning; personal crisis." Cash's expression turned slightly solemn. "It's his story to tell...and if it where any other day I'd encourage it, but today he might just need a distraction."
"Ah," Risk said with a nod of acquiescence, "say no more, say no more. You know me, I won't push." He raised a hand as if in apology and afforded Cash another polite and easy smile. "I'm sorry to hear he's going through hard times and I hope he comes out of them in one piece. He said he was joking, but he called you his date for tonight's party. Where do you stand on that?" he asked with a quirked brow and a grin. "I dare say you two would make an adorable couple."
"You're right. We would~" Cash grinned with a happy blush. Maybe the three of them were Romantics, but it still felt good to know they were all on the same page...or at least the same chapter, in this situation. "Not yet, though. I don't want to rush into anything with Kay, of all people, and come out with one less friend."
"That's very understandable," Risk said with a thoughtful dip of his chin. He turned his eyes back on the oceanology building and studied it, as if he could see Dorian moving about inside. "That is always a valid fear. As someone who has experienced it quite a few times, I can say you're absolutely right to worry about that. But some things are just worth taking a risk for, even if they're brief." He smiled at Cash lightly, but it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Not rebounds. Too brief and too much risk..." Cash insisted with a stony expression before it broke into a smirk at the accidental opportunity for wordplay. "No offense~"
Jade heard the door to the lab open and close as she was fishing around in the tank. "Hello... Dorian?" she called as she pulled her arms from the tank and started down the ladder, forgetting to dry off her arms. Water dripped from them, splattering onto the rungs of the ladder. Her foot slipped on one of them and she tumbled to the ground with a groan. "Shoot..." she sighed heavily as she rubbed her ankle and shook her head. "Just what I need."
"I guess the water doesn't always listen to you, huh?" Dorian teased where he was standing nearby. He had tried to catch her but the distance had made that impossible, so instead he was simply offering his hand to help her stand, his work tucked under his other arm. This accident was even less severe than the last one so he refrained from saying she should get it checked out. She obviously wouldn't listen anyway. "You're a lot more graceful in the ocean. Maybe you should stick to field work."
"Oh I dunno... I wasn't very graceful the other day." Jade gave him a sad smile as she took his offered hand and got to her feet. "Thank you." So many things race through her mind as she looked him over, emotion clogging her throat. "Listen I wanted to tell you how sorry I am. About everything, taking you for granted, not appreciating your concern or you. My screw up the other night." She shook her head as a tear trailed down her face. She swipped it away, cursing herself. "I told myself I wouldn't cry..." she took a deep breath as she turned her eyes back to his gorgeous ones. "I understand if you don't want to be with me ever again, I messed up big time and I'll always regret that I just hope that we can try to remain friends...somehow..."
Overhead lighting, sunbeams scattered with dust particles, and the florescent lighting of a fish tank. Most wouldn't consider that mood lighting in the traditional sense, but to Dorian, it was just seeing Jade in her element. Every day for nearly a year he had seen her like this, saw her passion, the way she could light up a room when she worked, her honest laugh. She was still breathtaking, but he felt like he was seeing it from far away now, the distance giving him perspective. He smiled as sadly as she had then waved the hand that he had just helped her with dismissively. "Don't worry about it, it won't affect our work, we're fine." He motioned to the gifts on his desk. "I appreciate the thought, but everybody makes mistakes, what's important is we learn from them. I learned I can be over dramatic sometimes, but I don't think we're surprised by that." He gave a short laugh and he had a feeling it rang as hollow to her as it did in his chest. "You're my boss, I had no right to try and tell you how to handle the situation the other day, and you had no right to do what you did. We learn, and it won't happen again, so don't worry about it."
Jade listened, chuckling at the appropriate time and nodding her head. "I shouldn't have been so defensive when all you were doing was worrying about me." She cleared her throat, trying to get herself under control again. "And it wasn't our work I was worried about. I know we can be professional. It was losing you completely that worries me." She inhaled deeply and wrapped her arms around herself. "But I guess your right, we'll learn from it and hopefully some day get a semblance of our friendship back."
"Maybe," Dorian replied and realized it sounded a little dismissive, so he added a reassuring nod. He observed her for a moment, curling in on herself. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen her that way and it concerned him. He carefully set his notes on the table next to him, then leaned on it much as he had with Cash's car earlier. "Jade, why are you worried about it?" he asked sincerely, keeping his voice gentle. "Because you feel bad? Because you feel guilty? All you've said so far, it just sounds like you're trying to make yourself feel better."
Jade's eyes widened at Dorian's words. She knew he wasn't trying to be mean but she couldn't help the slight glimmer of anger that rose up in her. "Make myself feel better? Dorian, I could care less about feeling better right now. The only thing I've thought about since yesterday when we split, is you!" She inhaled deeply, her eyes shining brightly as the tank behind her began to shake. "I've never been so consumed by the thought of one person before." She looked away, ashamed that she had drank so much for the first time in her life. She should have had better control over herself then she had. "Ask anyone who was around me yesterday, I was an absolute wreck."
Dorian's eyes flicked from her to the tank and back at the noise. Nurture won over nature and his chest rose and fell with a silent sigh before he lifted his hands, holding his arms open to her. "I'm flattered," he admitted. "But Jade, I don't think you should feel that way. I'm just a man, and you're a young, beautiful, smart woman. You're going to find someone just perfect for you someday." You probably only liked me because of what I do anyway. "Come here," he insisted, motioning with his fingers that she should step into his arms. She wasn't looking at him so he had to get her attention first. "There's no need to be upset. Everybody makes mistakes. It's likely I was the mistake, not-" The name was like trying to vomit a knife. He tried again. "Not the other thing. That has withstood the test of time. You've only known me a year, not even that."
Jade felt his friendly rejection as he tried to rationalize her stupidity. Her head jerked as she looked to his open arms and sighed. She crossed the few feet that separates them and wrapped her arms around his neck, savoring him. His hugs always made her feel better in the past. She wasn't sure that was going to be case this time. She pulled back slightly, pressing her hands to the sides of his neck and shook her head as he spoke. "Stop it. Don't say it." She didn't want to explain what Archer had done to her, lying and using two different women. She just wanted Dorian to understand how she felt. "Don't cast yourself aside like that. A year is plenty of time to fall in love with someone. I made a mistake and the past twenty four hours I realized how much I've screwed up. You are such an amazing man, absolutely perfect and I realized yesterday that I-" she inhaled deeply as she felt herself getting emotional again. "I was falling in love I was just scared because I've never felt that way before." She took another steadying breath before giving him a sad smile. "But I know I screwed up."
"Everybody makes mistakes," Dorian repeated as his arms reflexively tightened around her, holding their bodies practically flush against each other. He couldn't really argue, he supposed, since he had also come to love someone in under a year. He wanted to argue with the flattery she was giving him but he had a feeling it would be like punching a brick wall at this point. "Maybe we just moved too fast," he said after a few moments of thought. "Maybe we can just start from the beginning, ok? Like none of it happened. Then you won't need to be sorry."
Jade took a deep breath when he tightened his arms around her. She laid her forehead against his chest for a moment before clenching her hands into fists. "Sure." She lifted her head off of his chest and placed her hand against his cheek, giving him a small smile. "I guess I'd better start controlling my feelings for you better now. Since we'll no longer be a couple it won't be appropriate to kiss you whenever I want." Her eyes roamed over his face as her hands moved down his arms to his hands that were still around her back. She gently removed them from around her as she stepped out of his embrace, squeezing his hands gently.
His hands tightened on hers in reply with a mirrored smile that just bordered on a smirk. "Only because you are 'not that kind of girl'," Dorian replied and leaned down to look her in the eyes finally as he raised her hands to his lips and pressed a kiss to her fingers. "I have never pretended to 'not be that kind of boy'." He tilted his chin up and kissed her forehead before releasing her hands. "I have to go," he said a bit more seriously as he picked up his notes and computer. "I'll see you at the party tonight?" It was a Risk Delorne party. He doubted there was anyone who didn't know about it at this point. "I look forward to seeing what you're wearing," he finished and gave her a last grin before quickly stepping past and exiting the lab to leave her to her work as he strode quickly out to his boat to join his friends.
Jade ran her hands through her hair as Dorian left her there. She wrapped one arm around her stomach, propping her chin on her fist as the door closed behind him. She couldn't deside whether him being his normal, charming self or if him being angry would be easier. Maybe if he was angry and hurtful towards her she wouldn't continue to have such strong feelings for him but she knew that wasn't going to happen. Dorian was too good of a person to be outright mean to her. She sighed softly as she made quick work to finish up what she needed. She decided to go visit Jace and see how he was doing.
A silver shine caught Jade's eye. It was a a pair of ID tags on a silver chain with a letter addressed to Jade under them. It was sitting on her desk, and seemed so hard to miss from when she came in. The hand writing was beautiful, and written in cursive- its ink from a fountain pen.
She couldn't believe she hadn't seen them before when she'd first come in. Though she'd had a lot on her mind and was trying to figure out what to do with Dorian's gifts. She noticed he'd left them behind instead of taking them with him but shrugged that off. Jade picked up the tags to inspect them further and sighed gently, taking the note in her hand to read over it.
The note was as cleanly written as the name,
"Jade,
I'm sorry for hurting you. I'm sorry for hurting Adela. I know you don't want me around anymore. The same goes for Adela of that I am sure. I think not having been honest with both of you over why I'm home may have been a mistake. I left the army to come home because I'm a lone survivor. Not from a single mission like a movie, but in one deployment I lost my seven brothers. I have felt wrong and out of place in this world because of that. I felt truly alone for the first time in my life. I would stare at medals that all had blood and loss sticking to them far better than honor and pride. I would drink myself to sleep to keep from having to relive the worst days of my life. I was given the option of staying in to train the next generation of warriors or go home. It was in the weekend I was deciding on this that I stared at photos of you, and Adela. Of holidays with friends that I loved more than my own family. Football games, prom, and nights where we would stay up late watching movies. Letters written to me by the both of you. They were the first two nights I had been able to sleep with out nightmares. I will not lie. I came home for both of you. I honestly thought you, Jade, would have been taken by a better man than me, and it would likely be Adela who I could find a new peaceful life with. I was right in a way. Being right means nothing though... I can never go back to the Army now. My mental demons helped me leave home faster, but came at a price. I signed papers and admitted to the nightmares, drinking, waking up to the smell of blood and burned gunpowder. I admitted to waking many nights unable to wash the blood off my hands. I did this on the gamble that one of you would be able to take me and fix me. This was wrong of me, and it fell on neither of you to fix what was wrong with me. Now that you two have no love left for me, I have no love left for the world. I'm checking out tonight. The police department will receive instruction of where to recover my remains in the email this morning on the crime tip page. I have one last request of you. I have never feared death, but I fear being forgotten. In my room there are nine manorial bracelets. Seven belong to the members of my team, the other two are my own. I had them made for you prior to my last deployment. One is for you. The other is for Adela. Please don't let us be forgotten. You owe me nothing, but at the least let me not be forgotten.
I love you Jade,
I love you Adela,
I am so sorry I put you through this instead of doing this sooner.
Archer."
The ink of the last half of the page was a bit smeared as if tears had landed on the page.
Jade read the letter twice to make sure she didn't miss anything. "No... No!" She cried as his words sank in. Tears swam in her eyes as she folded the letter and stuffed it and his tags into her pocket and she hurried out the door. She took the second to lock it as she went in search of him. She couldn't think of anything but him at the moment. Her biggest fear at the moment was finding him too late. As her emotions wrecked havoc over her the waves of the ocean became less calm. She glanced out at the water and frowned at the boats that she could see dotting the water. She hoped the boats were manned by good captains as she headed for the BotO The Beach. She'd start there in her search.
Cash's pun hung in the air for half a breath before the door to the marina lab opened and Dorian stepped out. Contrary to his usual stroll he approached the boat with quick, purposeful strides, his usual smile absent. Once he was in speaking range, however, it easily slid into place and he carefully stepped onto the deck to join them. "Sorry for the wait, gentlemen," he apologized As he set his computer and notes on the counter next to the sink before he smiled brightly at them. "Ready to go?"
Risk nodded at Dorian, though as an afterthought, added, "we were wondering if you had drinks and snacks stocked in here already, or if you wanted to bring a cooler," he said, then shrugged, "you know, because it's your boat and it's only hospitable."
"Glad to see you, too," Cash raised an eyebrow at Dorian's apparent rush. "Afraid a bomb's about to go off in there, or just that we'll trash the boat without supervision?"
"The latter of course," Dorian quipped before he answered Risk, "You're welcome to anything in the kitchenette area there. There's water but you'll have to assess the other beverage and snack situation." He motioned toward the kitchen before stepping back outside to untie the boat. When he returned, he took up the driving seat and started the engine, speaking as he checked around them and carefully pulled out onto the water, "There should be quite a bit in there actually. I've been stocking for when my contract ends next month. There's usually a few weeks between projects, I usually just stay here."
Even though Risk didn't know Dorian as well as Cash did, he considered himself talented at reading people. Something was bothering Dorian, he felt. He looked at Cash and then stood from his seat, even as she boat started moving away from the dock. "I'll go take stock of what we have on hand. Excuse me." he said, and then gave Cash a subtle jerk of his head in Dorian's direction, a sort of encouragement to talk to him. He then vanished down the little set of stairs and into the kitchenette of the ship.
Cash only blinked at Risk's gesture before solemnly addressing what he found truly concerning out of all this: "That soon, Kay? Where's your next project going to be?"
"CSIRO sent me an offer earlier this week," Dorian replied thoughtfully as he cleared the boats and headed into the open water, a frown marring his features. The sky was dark and the water was a little choppy, but the weather hadn't called for this today. It made him think of Jade again. Was it her? Had he not put her at ease or had something happened? He mentally shook it off. He was probably just mistaken about the report. It didn't look too bad, they should still be perfectly alright, even if they couldn't be on the deck. Now that they were free of obstacles, he turned to offer his friend a gentle smile. "Nothing is set in stone yet. I'll reach out to some places, see who is looking."
"Well that's a relief," Risk said, and tossed a couple of cans of alcohol to Dorian and Cash. He had been speaking about the drinks, but realized at the last moment that his words might have been misconstrued with the conversation. "Oh, I meant... Sorry." he chuckled awkwardly. He took a seat beside Cash and opened his own can, then started pulling out his fishing rod and screwing the pieces together.
Barely catching the can, Cash gave Risk a mild glare that then melted into a purely deadpan face. After a single slow, deliberate blink, he turned back to Dorian with a slightly more...human expression. "...Any preferences so far? Maybe somewhere local?"
Dorian didn't answer immediately. He took a moment to think while he assessed their position. He knew where he wanted to stay, but staying felt wrong now somehow, that always seemed to happen. Something always made it weird. There were very few places he had worked that he had wanted to leave, and far less that he had so strongly wanted to stay. Only one of the latter, in fact. They were about as far out now as they could go but still see the coast, so he dropped anchor and shut off the engine, only then turning to speak to his friends. He was holding and fidgeting with the can Risk had given him but had yet to open it. "I think that'll depend on the offers I get," he replied, and something unspoken laced the statement, but he did nothing to acknowledge it. "I'm really not sure yet."
Risk pretended he wasn't listening, but he was. He heard that underlying meaning, and deciphered it well. Dorian and Cash didn't seem to be serious yet about whatever relationship they had, and that might well have been because of Cash. He couldn't blame the guy. With his profession--a front row seat to watching love fail and marriages crumble--why would he be any kind 9f optimistic about a relationship of his own? But Dorian was hoping, hinting at the possibility. Risk baited his hook, cleared his cast, and tossed his line out into the ocean. "I'll keep my ear to the ground for any local offers, if you'd like." He didn't say it to either of them in particular, it seemed, his blue eyes just focused out on the water. He leaned back in his seat with his pole anchored between his thighs, slipped off his shoes and propped his feet up on the railing.
For a moment, every possible speck of Cash's attention was entirely focused on Dorian. His words, his posture and the strained hope threading through his very existence...and still the meaning bounced off the redhead's thick skull like an airborne cap eraser. "Yeah, do that," he called to Risk before stepping towards Dorian and slinging his arm around the curly-haired man's shoulder. "Anyplace'd be lucky to have you, Kay, but I just can't imagine Athens Harbor without you in it, anymore. It'd bring down the town's ratio, if nothing else..."
"Thanks Risk, I appreciate that," Dorian called out to the other brunette even as his arm naturally found its way around Cash's waist, pulling him close as if it was the most natural response in the world. "I don't want to leave," he explained to his closer companion. "But if I'm staying I've got a lot of planning to do." He gave the hips in his embrace a little squeeze before letting go so he could stand and retrieve two more poles. He offered one to Cash and motioned for them to join Risk out on the deck. "Alright! Please! Enough about me! Can we go back to questioning Risk about his lovely new assistant?" He grinned at the man in question as he leaned against the railing next to where Risk was resting his feet. "Is this party tonight secretly for her?"
Risk grinned over his shoulder at the two of them. "Well, I didn't think so at first, but now that you mention it, I guess there's no reason it couldn't be. She's new in town and doesn't know anyone else, and I wanted to have some fun and make her feel welcome..." He laughed a little and rubbed his neck. "And she's currently pampering herself and buying a new outfit for the party at my expense. Well... Damn, I guess this party is for her."
Cash raised an eyebrow, fully intending to ask Dorian what plans he would have to make...only to be completely sidetracked by the prospect of teasing their friend. "Sounds like you were planning to show her off~ How'd you manage that without noticing?" He accepted the pole with a sly grin to Risk.
"How cruel, flaunt a beauty before our eyes in the light of a beautiful sunset and moonlight!" Dorian bemoaned dramatically, then grinned at Risk in a way that almost equaled the other's man's smile. "You'll forgive me if I steal a dance, won't you? What man worth his salt could pass up such a vision?"
Risk threw his head back and laughed a little at his friends. "I am not without my flaws!" He adjusted his line and then grinned at them again. "I am a man of romance and love. I wanted her to feel welcome and accepted. I suppose I was too busy with trying to make everything work smoothly rather than focusing on why." He looked out to the water and admired the smoothly rolling waves. "And of course, Dorian, if you want a dance with my dear Lena, you'll have to ask her. I'm not her guardian nor her owner. I cannot promise I won't be jealous watching from the sidelines, though."
"Here we are, the marina. This is where Jade works." Madison informed Aiden as she emerged out onto the marina and looked over at him with a smile. "I love coming and looking at all the fancy yachts here. I try to imagine what sort of people own them." She chuckled lightly. "Like this one.." She pointed to probably the largest, most expensive looking yacht that had staff busily scurrying around unloading luggage into an expensive looking car. "I imagine an old rich couple, returning from a month away..what do you think?" She asked playfully.
Aiden walked along beside her, keeping up easily with her pace due to his long legs. "It's beautiful. Jade's a lucky woman to be able to work here all the time." He loved the smell of the ocean and the cool breezed that was coming off of the water. He glanced at the yacht she was fantasizing about and grinned with a shake of his head. "I see a young couple, newly married just back from a very romantic honeymoon on the ocean." He winked gently as they walked past, watching the crew load luggage.
"Oh wouldn't that be nice." Madison replied with a dreamy expression then paused when there was more movement. "Oh I think you might be right.." She whispered as first a young, handsome man emerged from below deck before suddenly stepping aside to allow another man up, who was identical in appearance. "Or maybe not.." She let out a small laugh as the twins stood and conversed on the deck of the yacht. "We were both wrong. It's brothers..that isn't very exciting."
Aiden caught her dreamy expression, smiling softly. She definitely had an imagination, he liked that. At her comment her turned to look at the yacht with her, his eyebrows drawn together slightly as he watched. At the sight of the twins he chuckled softly and shook his head. "Well... wishful thinking, right?" He gently placed a hand on the center of her back, ushering her forward. "Come on, before they catch us staring."
Madison gave a small nod then turned back to their path, just as the twins began to disembark from the yacht and move to get into the car. "Things are going to be pretty quiet around the house tonight. Everyone's heading out to a party on one of the yachts tonight so it'll just be us I think." She said in a conversational way.
Aiden cocked his head to the side in question. "Why aren't you going? I mean... if everyone else was invited, weren't you?" He stuffed his hands into his pockets as they walked, trying to figure out why a pretty girl like her wasn't attending.
"Well..I was." Madison answered with an embarrassed smile. "The guy running the party, Risk..he and I..well we weren't really anything but we almost were. But he called it off between us. Turns out he and my brother have history. So I don't really want to see Risk right now.." She gave a small shrug then looked at Aiden as she tried to smile playfully again. "His loss really. I'm a real A+ girl to date." She joked before giving an awkward chuckle.
Aiden listened, surprised that any man had decided to just... not date her. He gently brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear then stuffed his hands back into his pockets. "I agree. The mans a complete idiot to not want to date such an amazing girl like you." He gave her his hundred watt smile, dimples showing for the first time. "He obviously doesn't deserve you anyway."
"You're just trying to be nice. I could be the worst person ever.." Madison laughed, though her cheeks were tinged pink by his words. This guy wasn't just intelligent, funny and good looking but it seemed he was also incredibly sweet. Madison looked up at Aiden and smiled. She was glad he had stumbled upon her dancing. He seemed like a really good guy. "Don't worry about me. If he doesn't want to date me it just means I can find someone much better right?" She continued with a shrug. "And what about you? Doesn't your girlfriend miss you?" She asked in a curious manner, though she tried to act like it was just a casual question.
Aiden chuckled and shook his head. "Well then, I'll just have to keep you company tonight. That is unless you want to go and show him you aren't affected." He winked at her, taking her hand and placing it in the crook of his arm as they walked. "I would be more than happy to be your date." He tilted his head at her question, giving it a small shake. "Oh... no girlfriend, it's just me. For now." His lips were turned up at the corners as he looked straight ahead. He hoped she caught on to his attraction of her and wasn't creeped out by it. If her blush was an indication of anything then she liked his attention and he decided to continue with his flirtation.
Madison's smiled brightened considerably at his answer. That was exactly what she had wanted to hear. "You would go with me as my date?" She asked as she gripped his arm lightly. "Do you really want to?"
Aiden paused beside her, turning to look down into her strikingly bright eyes. "Madison, I wouldn't have said it if I didn't want to." He grinned at her enthusiasm as he patted her hand lightly. "Besides, I'll have the most beautiful girl in town as my date. I'd consider that lucky. You're the one going with a beast of a man." He chuckled lightly, teasing her ever so slightly.
"What are you talking about?" Madison slapped his arm lightly as she smiled. "I don't see a beast..You are very handsome indeed. All the girls will be jealous that they didn't bag you first." She added playfully. "And I guess it sounds like we've made a decision. We're going to a party!"
Aiden smiled gently at her and shook his head. "Thank you, I'm glad you think so." At her excitement he gave a deep, fullhearted laugh. "I'm glad I could make you happy. Now, lets get some food in you before hand. What would you like?"
"The choice is yours, this is your tour." Madison answered playfully. "We can either go to the local diner in town or we can head home and I'll rustle us up something tasty there." She offered him with a tilt of her head. "So what'll it be?"
"I've been to the diner, good food but I'd like something different. But I don't want to make you cook for me." Aiden had felt pretty special at her offer to cook but he hated imposing on her. "We can just go somewhere else..."
"Somewhere else?" Madison repeated looking thoughtful for a few moments before looking at him with a smile. "I think the only other places are the fancier restaurants. Restaurants you would only really go to if you were on a date." She said playfully. "I don't mind cooking for you. It won't be anything spectacular but it should be edible."
"Should be?" Aiden gave a playful shudder before squeezing her shoulders in a side hug. "If you don't mind then I'll eat whatever you make me. I just hate being a bother." They had made there way away from the Marina and now walked along BotO Streets of Athens Harbor.
Just as Risk finished speaking, the phone in his pocket began to ring, the caller ID showing the name Blakewood.
Risk jumped a little at the sudden ring and vibration in his pocket. Thinking it might be Lena needing something, he grabbed it out quickly with an apologetic smile to Cash and Dorian. "Excuse me. This might be her now." He checked the screen and the smile from his face quickly fell into something more serious. He answered it and put it to his ear. "This is Risk De Lorme."
"Mr Delorme, it's Roan Blakewood here, I hope I find you well." A voice answered through the phone. "As I'm sure you're aware, my brother and I have been away on business for a a few months and weren't expected back until next month.. Well our plans changed and we're back in Athens Harbor as of thirty minutes ago. Now Mr Delorme.." there was a pause as Roan took a breath."My brother and I entrusted you with our company whilst we were away. We thought you would help to keep it growing so imagine our dismay when we pulled up outside, got out of our car and found the door locked. Here we are on a day we could be making money and gaining clients and you decided not to open. Care to explain? Where are you?" The line went silent as he waited for Risk's answer.
Risk stuttered. He floundered for half a second, and floundering was not something Risk often did. He glanced at Cash and Dorian and then quickly turned away, keeping his voice low. "I'm at the marina," he said vaguely. "Mr. Blakewood, it is good to hear from you, I apologize for not being at the office. I am actually, in fact, preparing for a party tonight. A party for the business. I'll have many prospective clients there and there were a lot of preparations--" He cut himself off and pinched the bridge of his nose with a small, contained sigh. "I can be at the office in twenty minutes."
"Make it fifteen..Don't make us wait." Came the reply before the line suddenly went dead as Roan ended the call.
Cash was about to continue teasing Risk when Dorian's question sparked a flash of envy. The redhead had barely wiped the scowl from his face when the phone rang, leaving him in a tumultuous storm of emotions and no verbal outlet. He did feel some perverse pleasure to see Risk falter--with how rare it is, how could he not?--but his shoulders were tense and his expression cold for a moment when Risk offered a deadline, before melting into something more sympathetic. Still a little annoyed, but sympathetic. "So much for relaxing, then?"
Risk hung up his phone and shoved it into his pocket with a snap of his wrist. He sighed and turned back to his companions and began to reel in his line. "Yes, unfortunately. I need to get back to the office immediately. My employers are back in town from their trip a month early and are not pleased that the office is currently closed." he grumbled. He pulled his pole apart and began to pack it in its case. "We need to hurry back to the docks so I can change and head off. They're expecting me in fifteen minutes."
Dorian covered his mouth in mock surprise, but righted himself from the railing nonetheless. "The people who pay you are upset you aren't working? The nerve!" he teased, but chuckled as he ducked inside and hauled anchor even as he started the engine to get Risk back to the shore. "Call your ride now, we should arrive just as they make it to the marina- Unless you intend to make Cash drive you over."
"Not at all, I'll call my driver." Risk said and then stopped. "Or someone better!" He pulled his phone out again and began to send a text message to the only other person he knew that would have access to his clothes and a car service. Lena, emergency. My employers--thus, your new employers--have just informed me they're back in town early from a trip. They're waiting at the office to be let in and we need to be there in fifteen minutes or less. You can either run back to the apartment and get me a change of clothes and meet me there, or head to the office now and stall them until I get there. He hit "send" and took a deep breath. He was trying not to panic. "Can this boat go any faster, Dorian?"
"Sure, sure," Dorian agreed while nodding sagely even as he had the boat turned about and headed for shore again. "If I wanted to beach it and wreck the motor on the ground. But sure, anything to save you from the wrath of your employers for playing hooky. I'm lucky I suppose," he added thoughtfully. "My boss hates me right now and wouldn't want me in the office anyway." He gave a short bark of laughter but it was just a touch hollow. It only took a few minutes to get to shore but he had to slow so as to not directly crash into the dock. "There now, don't slip on the wet boards-" he bid Risk goodbye as he started to tie up the ship, certain that in his desperation the other man wouldn't even wait for the ship to be secured before sprinting off.
He was correct in his assumption. Risk left his fishing pole case on the deck of Dorian's boat as he leapt over the side and onto the dock. His shoes just barely held purchase on the wet boards and he sprinted towards the parking lot. He remembered that Cash had driven them all here, but that didn't seem to bother him much. Neither Cash's place, nor Risk's were that far from the Marina. Athens was a small town and he'd run longer distances before. He decided to just run home. "Thank you for the brief excursion, fellas! See you tonight!" he yelled over his shoulder with a tossed wave as he ran.
"It wouldn't take long for me to drive you--oh, he's already running. Nevermind." Cash shrugged, not really wanting to chauffeur Risk around when he still had questions for Dorian, anyways. With his obligation-of-friendship apparently fulfilled by that half-hearted offer, he turned to the man in question: "So what's this about your boss hating you?"
Dorian hummed thoughtfully, but he was a bit distracted having noticed he was alone with Cash again. He reached out and captured the red head's waist, pulling him forward so he stood between Dorian's legs where he was once more leaning back against the railing. "I said something particularly cruel," he answered, or at least it had felt particularly cruel- but truthful- to him. "She was pretty upset by it, rightfully so of course, so I don't imagine she's thrilled with me. Then she tried to apologize- she bought me gifts- and I basically completely blew her off." He sighed and let his forehead fall to Cash's chest. "I'm a bad person." It wasn't a joke, he did feel bad. He felt bad for being angry. He felt bad for holding Jade at arms length now. He felt bad for leading her on but he would have felt worse expressing how upset he was. He was very much a bad person.
His expression immediately softening with the physical affection, Cash wrapped his arms around Dorian and laid his cheek against the top of his head: "First of all, I refuse to believe you could ever be as cruel as you seem to think you were. With how you let every word and action weigh on your heart, you'd be far too upset to go boating at all. Secondly, you have the right to want some space from her. Physical, emotional, whatever. Trying to forgive someone before you are ready to really let go...it's not fair to either of you-" not that I particularly care about what's fair to her, at this point... "-and it won't make anything better. Neither will blaming yourself for being angry or withdrawn when you have every right to be."
"But Jade's not a bad person," Dorian protested, but it was distracted as he reveled in the warmth Cash's touches elicited in his chest, that flooded outward to the tips of his limbs leaving his fingers and toes tingling slightly. "I knew how she felt about that guy and yet I let all this happen anyway. I'm a fool." I let desperation control me, I panicked, I have to calm down. I don't hurt anyone when I'm alone. Maybe I really am just supposed to stay that way. It's how it was always meant to be. He huffed a short laugh. "Wise... men.. say.. only fools... rush... in.." he sang quietly, then tilted his head back very carefully so Cash would know to lift his own, before continuing with sincere spoken words as their eyes met for the first time in what Dorian already felt had been too long. "But I can't help, falling in love with you."
"I didn't say that," Cash said perhaps a bit too quickly before rubbing Dorian's back and continuing in a calm voice, "but nobody forced her into a relationship with you. Emotions are confusing and people make mistakes...if she thought she was ready to move on, then that was her decision. Even if she didn't, trying was her decision." He nearly bit his tongue to keep from ranting on about the choices Jade made and how Dorian did not deserve any blame for it--from her or himself. Cash lifted his head at Dorian's prompting and his resentful expression became a soft smile as they made eye contact. The world's full of fools, Kay...most of them aren't so sweet.
Dorian's smile in return was small, but appreciative. "Say," he started and shifted so his hands lightly gripped Cash's hips rather than just resting there and gave them a little right-left-right shake. "Want to play dress up? I need an outfit for tonight, if you help me pick it I'll try on anything you want." His little smile dropped into a suggestive smirk. "I'll even let you watch me try them on, if you like."
"Very tempting~" Cash purred (and tried very hard not to laugh). "Could you guarantee that we'd make it to the party on time if I say 'yes'? It'd be a shame to get too...distracted and miss out on a DeLorme blowout. Either way, I'll gladly help you with your outfit if you help me with mine."
"It's a deal then," Dorian agreed and carefully righted himself from the railing which put him almost flush with Cash. "You help me into mine, I'll help you out of yours." He stole a kiss on Cash's cheek before finally stepping away but only so he could climb off the boat and offer a hand to help Cash do the same. "I'll set an alert on my phone to make sure we're on time, no worries."
Cash flushed a deep pink from his hairline to his neck, but finally let out a snort of laughter. After calming down to a chuckle he took Dorian's hand and climbed down himself to kiss Dorian's cheek: "You make it hard to say 'no', Gorgeous~"
"Do I?" the brunette queried in reply, but he wore a bright grin for having received a kiss of his own. "Well now that we know that, we should see if I also make it easy to say 'yes'." He waited for Cash to unlock his car before taking the passenger seat, ready to explore the one or two shops that might have something on BotO Streets of Athens Harbor. "Preferably over and over again. Breathlessly."
Sliding into the driver's seat with his face still as brightly hued as before, Cash gave Dorian a playful glare as he started the car to drive to BotO Streets of Athens Harbor: "Maybe when we're not in a moving vehicle, Kay..."
Risk led Lena back to the Marina at a leisurely stroll, and smiled when he saw the delivery and catering vans parked there already. He nodded at his yacht, where the staff were already loading up tables of food and supplies, and the cleaning crew was washing the floors and carpets. "We're just in time to oversee the preparations." he smiled. "Excellent."
"What do you need me to do now?" Lena asked as she looked out at the busy teams working on the yacht before she looked back at Risk. "I'm still your assistant right now.." She said with a smile.
"You are," Risk smiled and nodded at her, patting her hand. He walked her up to the yacht and helped her aboard. The caterer's were setting up a table of food on the main deck, and smaller snack and drink areas in various places throughout the yacht. The maids were cleaning and making sure everything looked fresh and smelled good, and some florists were setting up some flowers and greenery that made the spaces look more alive. Risk watched all the goings on with a professional smile, and would occasionally dole out requests to the workers. Finally, he turned back to Lena and said, "Why don't you be my DJ? I have a stereo system with a ten-track player, you could pick out some CD's?" he asked.
"You want me to pick the music?" Lena replied in an uncertain tone. "I don't know Risk, my choice of music isn't very good and this is such an important party..maybe I can just clean the floors or something.." She added with an embarrassed smile.
Risk let out a laugh and faced her more rightly, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I have three maids currently doing that, Lena." he said and smiled at her. "I trust you. Your taste in music cannot be that bad, and you're going to be picking from CD's I already own. None of my music is bad." he winked. "There's no possible way you could mess this up."
"That's what you think.." Lena smiled back but finally shrugged. "Sure but I did warn you. Now where is the music?" She asked as she kept her eyes on Risk. "And what will you be doing?"
"I will be heading back to Cash's apartment to get my car. I will also be taking a proper shower and getting ready early so that you have more time to get ready before people start arriving." Risk said, standing up straighter and dropping his hands to his sides. "Until I come back, just take your time setting up the music, oversee everything going on here with these guys, and call me if you need anything. I should be back within the hour."
"We won't be arriving together?" Lena asked with a tone if disappointment before she quickly regained her smile. "It's fine, I can surprise you with my outfit when I arrive later." She said not wanting to make him feel bad.
Risk tilted his head at her with a humoring smile. "If you would prefer to arrive together, we certainly can do that. Though I do like the idea of a big reveal." he winked. He then snapped his fingers. "That reminds me! I didn't see any shopping bags at the office. Did you need me to pick them up for you anywhere? Where are all the things you bought today?"
"They're at home, don't worry." Lena replied with a reassuring smile. "My new friends Teos and Ate kindly escorted me home after the shopping trip. I believe they'll be attending the party so you can meet them. He's a gentleman and she's..well Ate's very spirited." She chuckled as she thought back to the goddess.
"Ah. Good! Meeting new friends is always nice." Risk said and smiled at her again. "So...? Are you coming home with me to get ready now, or do you want to have a big reveal?" he asked. "I'm happy with either one. Either I get to be surprised by you at home in private, or I get to be surprised by you here with everyone watching. My reaction will still be the same either way."
"I'll come home with you now. I'm not one for having all eyes on me." Lena chuckled. "I'm sure I can pick out some music in the outfit I have picked out." She shifted to his side then motioned towards the exit. "Shall we then?"
Risk smiled and casually looped his arm around her waist. "Oh, absolutely." he agreed. He led her back down off of the yacht, paused once or twice to tell the caterers and other staff that they would be back soon, and to compliment their work, and headed for the street. He hailed down a taxi to take them back to Cash's apartment so he could get his car, then they headed back to boto De Lorme Condo.
Do you still want me to handle the music?" Lena asked as she stepped from the car and smoothed out her dress before turning to smile at Risk."Or is there something else you'd like me to handle?"
Risk looked at her as he exited his car and shut the door, then smiled at her. "Mmm... I think I'll handle the music. I think you should just sit and look beautiful and relax." he smiled, walking around the car towards her. "But I won't stop you from doing whatever you want to do. If you find an opportunity to help, then do so." He kissed her head and led her towards the yacht, walking with a noticeable pep in his step.
Walking by Risk's yacht--and only pausing by it long enough to decide that she'd rather not stand where so many people could watch her or try to drag her into interacting with them--was Tilly Gelson, who had been wandering through the docks with a weather-resistant notebook in hand for ideas to sketch out. Too many people...What's going on over there, anyways?It's none of my business...This was a waste of time...Don't look at me...Why are there so many people?
Lena had nodded at Risks words then walked beside him, arm wrapped around his. She suddenly jumped and looked around in surprise when a strange voice echoed in her mind. She paused in walking and looked around until she spotted Tilly. "Does that woman not have an invite?" She asked Risk.
"Hm?" Risk asked as he followed her line of sight to where Tilly was standing, looking a bit bothered. He blinked, broke into a wide smile, and said, "I don't believe so! Let's go extend a hand, hm?" he asked and directed Lena towards where Tilly was wandering. "Tilly Gelson! As I live and breathe." he chuckled. "Funny I should see you here, of all days."
Tilly's shoulders tensed the moment she heard her name and she absently finger-combed her hair make sure it covered the right side of her face before slowly turning her head towards Risk's voice. All dressed up...Must be a party...So that's why there's so many people...Bad timing...I shouldn't be here...Too many people! "...Why?"
"We'd love if you joined us." Lena answered politely, hearing bits of Tilly's thoughts of apprehension. "Everyone that's going is really nice and if you need some space there's a downstairs in the yacht. I know I'll be taking a break at some point. I get a little nervous around large groups of people I don't know. We can hang out together." She said with a smile in the hopes of reassuring Tilly.
Risk raised his brow at Lena and supplied for Tilly, in case she didn't already know, "She means the party tonight. I'm hosting a party on my yacht for friends and business associates. Since you are a recently acquired contract, I would be honored if you attended, Tilly. You could meet the Blakewoods, for whom I work. And Lena is correct; if you happen to get a little overwhelmed, there is a private room below deck you could escape to."
Eyeing Lena suspiciously for a few moments before doing the same with Risk, Tilly gave a drawled-out "no" and while her response was certain, her thoughts were scattered and confused: Why invite me?Almost finished with the design...No point in going...Too much to do...Just a waste of time...Why did they invite me?Still have measurements to make...Maybe those picture frames...Too much to do...What's their angle?
"We understand you must have a lot to do but we greatly value the work you've completed thus far for the company and would love for you to join us to let us show you that gratitude." Lena spoke up. She could hear Tilly's thoughts clearly now and she couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her. It seemed she had so much uncertainty in herself. "And it would also be a great networking opportunity for you. There will be many other people there that could be looking for someone with your expertise. This wouldn't be a waste of your time. This could be the opportunity for many great things for you." She smiled pleasantly at Tilly. "But it's up to you. We can't force you to attend.."
Risk gave Lena's hand a squeeze and smiled at her before relenting to Tilly. "If you choose not to come, it's totally your prerogative, but we would like to see you there. If you change your mind and decide to attend, we'll be docked until six. After that, we'll be sailing, so try to come before then." he said with a smile. "I hope you have a good evening either way, Ms. Gelson."
The often-eerily intense gaze of Tilly's visible eye was fastened to Lena's face as she spoke. It was clear she was digesting the younger woman's words... Might be worthwhile...Not quite a waste...Still a lot of people...There's a place to breathe, though...What would I wear?Look at that dress...I'd have to buy something...I'm better off not going... Tilly was no longer suspicious of Lena's motives so much as...fascinated by her arguments. Clearly this was a person of priorities and not a silly little socialite inviting everyone on the simple, brain-draining notion of "it'll be fun~ *stomach-churningly idiotic smiley face*".
"And please don't worry about your outfit. I can help with that." Lena smiled at Tilly in a casual tone hoping not to alarm her about the fact that that was exactly what she was worrying about. "We can go pick you out something or go back to your place to see what you've got or you'd even be welcome to have a rummage through my things. Whatever would make you happy."
Risk smiled at the pair. He supposed Tilly's expression was more thoughtful now and less intimidating than it had been a moment ago. Maybe that's what tipped Lena off that Tilly was actually considering attending. "I believe we've found your task for the evening, Lena." he smiled and stepped back from the pair. He produced his car keys from his pocket and offered them to Lena. "If you need to go back to our apartment, please feel free to take my car."
Tilly's eye scanned over Lena's figure, already certain that nothing in her closet would be suitable for anything fancier than a quick lunch at Sophie's Dinner. Not too curvy...Maybe a bit short...If it's a dress, it should fit fine... "Your things will do."
Lena smiled at Tilly. "You'll look great I promise!" She said then turned to Risk and took the keys to the car. "I'll see you later. If you need me, just give me a call." She leaned up and gave him a quick kiss and one final smile before looking back at Tilly. "Ready?"
Tilly's face remained as calm and neutral as ever as she nodded to Lena. "I can drive myself."
"If you're sure." Lena replied, not wanting to push Tilly to drive with her. She would try and keep the other woman as relaxed as possible. "I'll drive ahead and you can follow.." She instructed then turned back to Risk. "I'll see you soon, OK?"
Risk nodded with a smile at the two women. "Drive safe. I won't leave this dock until you get here." he promised. He kissed her again, for good measure, and added, "have fun!" before he turned and headed onto his yacht to oversee the final touches on the party. And select the music.
Tilly nodded again, pleased with the driving arrangements, and started walking to her Cadillac without another word.
Lena watched her wander off then turned and headed back to Risks car, carefully slipping into the drivers seat once she had unlocked it. When she was sure Tilly was in her car, she started up the engine then moved off heading for boto De Lorme Condo.
BotO Athens Harbor
Blood of the Olympians
Stumble!