Chapter seven of L&L
Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!
Thank you everybody for the reviews! Especially to joetheone, ihatemonday, haljbg,sytle, gres1, Debra, ramona4jake,bbmjack324, fl1789, Jenna, Janice5, gr lewis and WCUGirl.
Thanks for Jenna for the tip on the last chapter! You were a darling! ;)
Chapter Seven: Jack Twist, the "Big" Boss
Jack had been surprised by how quickly the week had gone. He had been so focused on catching up with the firm’s records that he hadn’t really noticed that it was Sunday again. Ennis had been almost impossible to locate during the day, but he had managed to have dinner with him every night. Jack was glad, because he seemed incapable of sleeping alone ever since they got back together; but he was aware of how busy with Mr. Hoz his boyfriend was. With all this, they ended up leaving Sophie with Matilda and Edward and sleeping in Ennis’s apartment almost every night, which made Ennis feel guilty. Even though Jack had told him that Elizabeth was happy about the sleeping arrangements.
It was like married life, Jack had thought many times during this last week. It was a bit odd and he kept thinking that sooner or later Ennis would get tired of having him around so much, but Ennis seemed to need him just as much as he needed Ennis. Their relationship had simply made it to another level and they were dealing naturally with it. Although there was still fear… Mostly his own fears. He couldn’t help but run to call Dr. Whistle at every little suspicion that he had done something wrong. Ennis’s company helped him appease that need. However, Ennis was busy with all the work at the firm. Mr. Hoz was the craziest person Jack had ever heard about and Ennis was the only one patient enough to deal with him. Ennis was such a great attorney that even a man so full of himself, like Mr. Hoz, had noticed that.
At least it was easier to share Ennis with his work when he himself was buried in paper work. During these last few days, he had even met with the firm’s accountant - Yaniv Geldschrank - and the cleaning staff. Every time he went to the firm, people he didn’t know worked for him came to him for resolution of the problems that only he could solve. Mostly it was because of raises and promotions, where his signature was needed and so those actions had been frozen for the last two months. Jack understood the importance of these situations but it took him almost a day to sign all the pending papers. He had then first remembered the importance of a personal assistant and how his late father had been so meticulous about the right ways of choosing one. He had immediately scheduled a set of interviews for the next week. Jack could only hope that this unstoppable growing list of things to do was the result of the first week of management.
“Are you thinking about work again?” Ennis voice surprised him.
“I have millions of things to do.” Jack answered looking at his still untouched plate.
“Maybe you shouldn’t return full time tomorrow.” Ennis said observing him like an eagle.
“I’m fine. Nobody said it would be easy.” Jack picked at his food again.
“Nothing in the Magnet is easy.” Ennis said with a smile, grabbing his soda from the floor.
They were both eating dinner on the floor of Ennis’s living room, watching a beach soccer game from some remote country in the south of Europe. Sometimes they didn’t watch the games for the thrill of it. Sometimes they watched just for the pleasure of arguing about it. Because no matter who played or what was the score Jack and Ennis never really agreed on who should win.
“By the way…” Jack said watching a particularly good attack. “How are things with Mr. Hoz? You complain every five seconds about him, but you never give me any idea of what’s happening.”
“Let me just say that I’m not really proud of all the things I’ve done to save the man’s neck, once again.”
“I understand.” Jack said knowingly.
“Dave was really surprised. I felt like I was opening the Pandora box in front of him.”
“Dave’s a nice guy. He’s just too naïve sometimes.”
“He was really excited this week, but I couldn’t figure it out why.” Ennis said placing his empty plate on the floor.
“Maybe it’s because of my big comeback tomorrow.” Jack said trying to make Ennis smile and it did work, although the blond attorney did roll his eyes along with the mentioned smile.
“Your big comeback.” Ennis murmured to the television. “Maybe we should go out and have a nice dinner tomorrow night as a celebration?”
“Yeah, that sounds great.” Jack said eating a bit more. “Another night with Sophie at the Twist Mansion then.”
“I feel terrible. I barely see her all week. Even today I managed to work till dinner and she’s already with Matilda and Edward.” Ennis said shaking his head.
“Don’t blame yourself. Today, I wanted to go see Robert and I slept all morning. I barely ate lunch.”
“You need your rest, baby. If the body asks, it’s because the mind is demanding.”
“I’ve never heard that one before. But I’ll have to find some time tomorrow after lunch to go see Robert. He wanted to talk with me about something important.”
“I didn’t see him at Elizabeth’s wedding.” Ennis said, thoughtful.
“He was in Italy for a couple of weeks. Returned only yesterday.” Jack said, leaving his plate on the floor and moving next to Ennis. “He’s odd and all, but I really like him and he was there for me every time I needed him.”
“I kind of liked him. But there was something about him… There’s something about him that doesn’t fit.” Ennis was looking as if he was talking about work.
“I've known him for far too long. I guess I can’t judge him like that any more.”
“Sorry, I shouldn’t have…” Ennis quickly said.
“You don’t need to be sorry about who you are. I understand how difficult it is to turn off the suspicious mode of work.”
“I’m in need of a good mystery.” Ennis said drinking from the can again. “No, better. I’m in need of a simple murder to turn in to a good mystery.”
“You’re in need of a vacation, honey.”
“I feel fine. Everything is just fine.” He said with a smile and his hand came to rest on Jack’s knee.
“Actually there’s something that has kept me worried lately. It’s about Neve. He’s been a bit down lately.”
“It’s been a hot summer for everybody. He’s small, it’s difficult for him.”
“And that reminds me -- David called from the ranch this week.” Ennis said with another smile.
“Is everything ok?”
“Great. The typical hard summer of Texas, but great. He was just worried about me. I haven’t called much lately. He also complained about how we haven't visited in over than two months.” Ennis glanced at his empty plate. “I didn’t tell him the truth, just told him we had a very busy life since your father passed away.”
“Maybe we should go visit them.” Jack said after a few seconds of silence.
“I think we should go too.”
And their hands came to rest together on the floor and they led their eyes to the big television again.
“Ennis is this possible?” Dave asked again for the third time on the last two minutes.
“Of course it is.” Ennis said annoyed.
“I thought it was… Ennis is this legal?”
“Dave.” Ennis started but forced himself to stop and take a deep breath. “They don’t teach this in law school, but it IS legal.”
Dave looked at him suspiciously but returned to read the papers in front of him. For some unknown reason he was impossible to deal with today. Dave seemed nervous and excited, like a squirrel running on the grass of Central park.
“Isn’t it a bit unethical?” Dave asked after a few minutes.
“Come on Dave, what is it? You keep asking me stupid questions every five minutes and you were staring at Frederic’s tie when I arrived this morning. What’s wrong with you today?”
“It’s personal and I didn’t want to bother you.” Dave said apologetically, but he also looked uncomfortable.
“Does it involve Fredric? Are you…” Ennis couldn’t finish the question he was shocked just from the idea.
“For the love of God, Ennis! No! Nothing like that! I’m not gay, at all.” Dave said forcefully and Ennis laughed.
“Believe me you would have to be much more than just gay to have a crush on Frederic.” It was Ennis's turn to look a little green.
“No. I just have a… important date tonight. With a woman… an amazing woman.” He said pathetically. “Frederic may be a bit exaggerated but women seem to like his style and I’m sick with worried about tonight.”
“I see.” Ennis said with a small smile. “I’m not going to joke with you. I was pretty bad myself around the ladies. But then I was trying in the wrong way.”
“My problem is different. She’s very beautiful and very inteligent and I feel a bit intimidated. You know, as if I'm not good enough.” Ennis nodded at the comment; he could easily understand.
“Look, naturally I’m not the best person to give you advice with women. Not matter what you heard about me, I was a disaster and had very little success. But to me, it looks as if you had already done the must difficult part. You have a date! Forget about looking like something you’re not. Dress up, take her to a nice place and must of all, be a gentleman.”
“I don’t believe you. I see the way the women of the firm look at you. I’m sure you still have an offer or two from time to time.” Dave said looking more relaxed.
“Don’t tell Jack, but yeah. And it’s always embarrassing because I always feel a bit scared about them.” Ennis said honestly to the younger attorney.
“As if Mr. Twist didn’t get his share of that too.” Dave said laughing. “Well maybe not so much now, sine he’s the boss and all.”
“I hope so.” Ennis said remembering Frederic’s attics when he gave them the magazine with the article last week.
“Talking about the boss, when are you going to talk with him about your secretary?” Dave said looking back at the papers. “It’s driving me crazy that you don’t want to find a replacement.”
“I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment. But now that Jack’s back I should really talk with him.” Ennis said.
“Ok. Go on. It’s a little before lunch time. I’ll go have lunch with Helen and ask her advice about my date and you can go have lunch with Mr. Twist.”
“I think you’re right.” Ennis said standing up from behind his desk. “I’m sorry if I wasn’t a bigger help, Dave.”
“It’s ok, Ennis. You were.” Dave said playing with his pencil and looking a bit worried.
“Look, I’m going on a date myself tonight.” Ennis said trying to hide his blush. “I know a couple of good restaurants. I’ll call to mine and I’ll give you a couple of good others so that you can keep one.”
“Thanks, Ennis.” Dave said, clearly trying not to smile at Ennis’s embarrassment.
And Ennis left his own office wondering why he had admitted that to Dave. He waved at the couple of young attorneys and picked the elevator to the top level. He moved quickly to the big office and stared at the letters of the door. Jack Twist. Jack still didn’t have a secretary or a personal assistant, so both secretaries were empty and he was forced to knock on the door.
“Come on in.” Jack’s voice was barely heard from the other side of the massive door.
“Hi, it’s me, Mr. Twist.” Ennis said entering, still remembering Dave’s conversation.
“Hi,Del Mar.” Jack said leaning against his chair with a smile.
Ennis moved along the enormous office. The light was coming from the big windows and Jack sitting on his big black chair looked like a vision. His big blue eyes focused on him and his blue suit was new. Ennis had seen him this morning but he was sure he hadn’t look like this. Ennis moved along the secretary to give a kiss to his boyfriend.
“Hi, baby.” Ennis said moving away to kiss in front of Jack’s chair.
“Hi.” Jack said still liking his lips.
“Unfortunately I didn’t come just for the visit.” Ennis said trying to act professional.
“It’s ok, Ennis. Go on, tell me what you need.”
“Well, it’s about Mrs. Campbell.” Ennis waited to see Jack’s reaction and he wasn’t all to please.
“Ennis…” He said closing his eyes to think.
“We talked about the fact that I wanted to keep her as my secretary. I know you said you would support me, but now you’re the boss and things may have changed. It’s understandable. But I’ll fight for this one.”
“Ennis, I really can’t go and gave her rewards for what she did.” Jack said honestly. “She could have ruined your career.”
“We both know that wasn’t likely to happen and you know it very well that this whole situation needs to remain a secret. You can not use her as an example but I can turn her into the perfect secretary.”
“You want to work with a woman who betrayed your trust? And even help her with her problems?” Jack said facing him and Ennis tried not shiver with the tone of voice Jack was using.
“Yeah. And it’s far less risky then you made it sound.”
“This isn’t a community charity, Ennis.”
“Well, maybe it’s time to change a bit of that too. I know you think this way too. And we’re not doing such a big thing. We’re simply not being cruel.”
“What makes you think she has learned her lesson?” Jack said trying to act rational about the issue.
“She spent almost three months locked inside her own house, without knowing what’s going to happen to her. That sure must have helped her reach some conclusions, don’t you think?” Ennis was a bit annoyed too and he didn’t really know why.
Jack didn’t say much, just leaned against his chair again and thought about what he should do about this whole situation. Ennis looked around, noticing that the fishes and the aquarium Enrique used to have, were now gone. There was a big portrait of Jack’s grandfather behind Jack’s secretary and Ennis knew that soon there would be a portrait of Enrique too. There were a couple of doors behind the secretary too. Ennis had no idea where they led to. Jack was still not looking at him and Ennis moved past his chair to see the pictures on Jack’s right side of the desk. The small one was just days old, with Mary, Helen and Sophie on the wedding day. There was another of Edward, Matilda, Enrique and Jack at what it looked like to be a party. Ennis glanced at the big photo on the left side and was left wondering who was in it when Jack spoke again.
“Ennis, this situation needs secrecy and I can request input from the members of the board. I analyzed your arguments and so far it seems acceptable to give her the job back. But only because you’re going to keep an eye on her.” Ennis smiled and Jack tried not to do the same. “I’ll have nothing to do with the financial help you want to give her. Simply because, I can’t.” Jack added honestly.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t wanted to put you in this position.”
“It’s the first of many times we’ll have to deal with complications at the firm.” Jack said rubbing his eyes. “Next time I won’t make a decision alone. I simply can’t say no to you.”
Ennis stood up and came to kneel next to Jack’s chair.
“Come on, let’s have lunch together.” He was surprised to see there were buttons under Jack’s desk.
“Good idea.” Jack said noticing Ennis staring at the buttons. “Don’t ask because I have no idea. My dad never told me about them and I can't seem to make them work. Nothing happens.” Jack said clicking on them.
“Odd.” Ennis said with curiosity.
“Dad liked to have all the new technologies. They're probably odd mechanisms from the 80s or something that no longer work. But then the desk is so big and massive I don’t want to destroy it just because of the buttons.”
“Ask someone to come and give a look.” Ennis offered.
“I wanted to call my dad’s old personal assistant, but she just vanished from the map. Someone at her building told me she moved to Washington.”
“Bad luck then.” Ennis said, rubbing Jack’s arm. His boyfriend looked a bit sad for talking about Enrique.
“Maybe I should gather my courage and visit my dad’s vault. I’m sure he left important papers that may help me now.”
“Maybe you should, but you don’t have to do it now. Come on, let’s have a burger.” Ennis said offering his hand to pick Jack up.
“A burger, hum? Is that what you’re thinking of giving me tonight?” Jack said grabbing his jacket.
“You have no idea of what I’m planning to give you, tonight.” Ennis said trying to sound sexy.
“I guess I deserve it, don’t I?” Jack said moving to the door.
Ennis smiled and his eyes moved with curiosity to the photo he hadn’t been able to see before. There, looking like a sculpture on a jewellery box, was he and Jack, smiling and dancing close together, under the golden lights of Enrique’s last birthday party.
Jack and Robert were drinking a couple of Guinness beers at a pub next to Robert’s apartment. Robert kept telling Jack that his place was a mess and Jack knowing him like he did, believed him.
“So you’re the boss now. How is it?” Robert asked with a smile.
“Odd. People think I have all the answers. Not to mention they expect me to solve all their problems. Fortunately I don’t need to make any important decisions alone.”
“You’re growing up, Jack. Be careful.” Robert said with a smile.
“Thank God it never happened to you before.” Jack said joking.
“You’re very funny.” But Robert laughed nevertheless.
“Did you know your birthday is coming up soon?” Jack asked after a few minutes of casual chat.
“Yeah. I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I’ve been worried about the gallery.”
“I thought as much. How bad is it?” Jack asked worried.
“The initial investments were big, but the problems with the photograph school are getting complicated to pay all the bills.” Robert said honestly and Jack was surprised to see the honest concern on Robert’s face. It was far from being common.
“Do you need money?” Jack asked carefully.
“I… I can’t accept it Jack.” Robert said avoiding his eyes.
“Why not? I have far more than I need to. I don’t even have the time to spend it.”
“It’s complicated and I need to come out of this on my own.” Robert said avoiding Jack’s gaze.
“Don’t be stubborn, Robert. This is your dream and I won’t let you get in trouble because of it.”
“I’m not in trouble.” Robert said defensively.
“No you’re not, because I’m going to help you.”
“I’m already feeling guilty for having told you anything about it.”
“You shouldn’t.” Jack said in a much more sweet tone. “And if you don’t tell me what I want to hear, I’ll find a way to find your accountant's number. Are we understood?”
And when Robert made a small nod, Jack smiled. He had yet to know a friend of his who had refused his help.
Ennis arrived at his door breathing hard and a bit tired from all the running. He was late. He had worked with Dave for far longer than he had planned. He still needed to take a shower and get dressed. He was supposed to pick Jack up at the mansion in 20 minutes, which included a long drive to the outside part of the city. He had sent a text message to his boyfriend but he knew very well that Jack didn’t like to wait.
“Good to see you, my boy. So early?” Lucia said casually when he passed her on the door.
“Actually I’m late. Terribly late.” Ennis said moving quickly to the bedroom, but he then remembered something and ran back to Lucia again.
“Actually I have great news! You can tell Mrs. Campbell that she has her job back.” He looked at the big smile showing up on her tired face. “I don’t want to hear another word about what happened, especially for apologies.” He said firmly.
“Oh, but I…” She tried to say.
“That’s it. I’m trying to see if I can help you with the rest of the problems but it’s complicated. Mr. Twist didn’t like the idea that much.” Ennis noticed the small blush on her face when he said Mr. Twist but quickly dismissed it, moving to the bedroom again.
“You had promised me some time with little Sophie and I’ve yet to set my eyes on her.” Her voice sounded disappointed and Ennis tried not to curse.
“She's been staying at the Twist’s mansion, with Matilda and Edward. But I’ll pick one day for her to stay with you.” Ennis picked his clothes and moved to the bathroom.
Ten minutes later he walked out, totally dressed but his hair still wet from the shower. He was surprised to see Lucia still standing on the living room.
“I wanted to talk with you.” She said softly.
“I don’t have much time but I’m listening.” He said arranging his jacket.
“It’s Neve. He was sleeping all day. He looks oddly tired.” She moved to arrange his tie. Ennis never seem to make it right. “You need to take him to the vet, my boy.”
“Thanks Lucia. You don’t owe me anything, ok?” He said hugging her.
His eyes moved to the table in front of him. In the middle of it, a magazine he had come to know very well. The last week’s magazine where he and Jack had appeared together. Lucia knew, if she had ever had any doubt left, Ennis thought.
“Miss May?” He asked when they stepped away.
“Yes” She said smiling, while tears of joy were shinning on her face.
“About the magazine…” Ennis said, using his head to point at the table.
“You have nothing to explain to me.” She said with a smile. “And it was no big surprise, after all.”
“You knew?”
“Of course.” She said cleaning invisible dust from his jacket.
“Fine then.” Ennis said defeated and moved to the door, temporarily forgetting that Jack was waiting.
The night had been perfect. The restaurant was great, with good food and wine. Jack chose everything, since Ennis didn’t trust himself to make a good choice. Especially when it came to the wine. But nothing looked better than Jack. All night he had been relaxed and happy, like Ennis hadn’t seen him be in a long time. He had to control himself from kissing him or touching him more than it was acceptable in a public restaurant. Jack seemed to have noticed and took great pleasure in teasing him.
All night they shared glances and touches. Ennis knew very well what this was all leading into. He had been especially careful about how much he drank. He didn’t want to ruin anything tonight because he knew very well indeed where it was headed. Especially now that he was pressing Jack against his own apartment’s door, while kissing his neck.
“Let’s get inside before the neighbours start calling the police.” Ennis whispered in Jack’s ear.
“It’s not that late, honey.” Jack said when they entered the apartment.
“I’m not worried about what they can hear, I’m more worried about what they could have seen.” Ennis said holding him close again.
“And what do you want to see?” Jack said moving to kiss him, but then he stopped in the middle of the action. “What’s wrong with Neve?”
Ennis moved so that he could see too. The cat was on the couch rubbing his ears desperately and looking positively stressed out.
“I don’t know. Lucia told me he was sleeping all day.” Ennis said moving toward the kitten.
“He doesn’t look good, honey.” Jack said honestly.
“He’s hot.” Ennis said picking him from the couch, while Neve made a yelping sound. “He looks far worse than this morning.”
Jack’s eyes widened and he quickly moved to pick up his jacket.
“Come on, let’s take him to the vet. He’s still young. Who knows what he may have caught.” The tone was firm but all Ennis could do was nod. “He’ll be ok, you’ll see.”
Jack’s hand came to rest on Ennis’s shoulder, as they both looked at the small white kitten.
“I hope so.” Ennis moved quickly to pick up his jacket too. “Come on, Neve. Hold on a little longer, we’re going to find help.”
Both of them moved quickly out of the apartment, worried about the small white cat that Ennis carried around in a blanket in his arms.
Author:The seeds of mystery have been plant! Don’t worry, if you did not understand what the heel I wanted to say with that. That’s for very distant future chapter! I just love to write this! (Insert evil laugh!) Ok, so, I’m not going to kill Neve, my dear friends! Not that evil! And I’ll update on Thursday. (This time is for real… I’m writing chapter 12! For the love of God! For what do I want so many written chapters?) Do forgive me for my strange sense of humour today, I’ve just did a Histology exam a couple of hours ago!
On the next chapter: What’s the problem with poor little Neve? What about some reassuring sex? Have you been wondering about Enrique’s past? Well you have a lot more coming in the next chapter, when Jack visits his father’s vault. Ennis is surprised by Veronica with some very interesting revelations about Jack’s family. Is he ready to know the truth?
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