Oh man, lately RL is kicking my butt! Still I wanted to comment on this part. Loved it!
Where had Perry gone to? He could easily hear him, but couldn’t see him. It sounded like he’d been stopped by an acquaintance and his laughter carried over the high backed seats. The server arrived with their drinks, and Clark took a sip as he heard the polite chime of the entrance, signaling a customer had either entered or exited. Clark closed his eyes and savored the taste of the hot, sweet, coffee, appreciating the hum of conversation buzzing around him in the rapidly filling café, even enjoying the polite clinking of cutlery and crockery. He sighed with contentment. He’d missed these sounds of the city a lot more than the sometimes incessant honking of vehicles.
How can he even think about leaving his adopted home?
“CK! Lois! What are you guys doing here?” Jimmy’s voice rang out over the café as he gleefully walked over towards them. Clark peered around the side of the booth to wave at Jimmy, spotting Jack several paces behind him, and noticed Perry looked startled and annoyed that the two young men were approaching. Perry hastily excused himself from his conversation and hurried over as Jimmy scooted onto a seat next to Lois.
Urgh! Jimmy has absolutely the worst timing! Jack is a lot more perceptive, its a pity he could not keep his friend from interrupting a rather important conversation. He is completely messing with Perry's carefully conceived plans.
“Great shades of Elvis,” Perry gasped as the tarp fell to the ground and revealed the large Daily Planet logo that once hung over the entrance. Clark could hear applause from Lois and several people standing around watching. He used a touch of his superhearing to catch what Mr. Stern was saying to Perry.
“We’ll start on the building next week but first I thought we’d announce to the world we’re back in business. I reconsidered your proposal, and I agree with you Mr. White. Metropolis does need the Daily Planet. Besides, one more nail in Lex Luthor’s coffin will suit me fine. I do have some ideas about modernization…”
One of the very best parts of these arch of episodes is the meeting between Mr. Stern and Perry White played by James Earl Jones and Lane Smith. These two world-class actors honed their skills on stage and screen and it shows abundantly! How I wish Mr. Stern appeared in other episodes. Watching them argue over modernizing the paper would have been a joy to behold. At least Perry would not have had to worry about some little twerp called Chip taking over his position. Seriously, have a presence like Mr. Stern around would have been a reminder to all of us that sadly, Perry does not run and own the Planet, that he has to answer to 'the suits upstairs'. Especially when one of his reporters gets out of line. Mr. Stern's powerful presence is a constant reminder of that little fact. Also, does anyone think a creep like Ralph would have been allowed to stay and harass people? Nope.
She was so close to him now, he could easily smell her perfume. It was the scent she’d worn when he’d first been partnered with her, a light citrus scent. She’d switched to something heavier, spicier, once she’d become involved with Luthor. He paused trying to determine exactly what was being said, beyond her words, attempting to shake off the distraction of her perfume and proximity to him. He needed to apologize for abandoning her, for not trying harder to be there for her when she needed someone.
Ah, let the romance begin...
He smiled fully, the dark cloud that had been hanging over him after the memory of the cage, dissipating immediately. “Friends.” Clark watched as Lois smiled briefly, before she glanced down at the ground for a moment, then tucking a her hair behind her ear once more, and adjusting her purse strap. Curious, he listened to her heartbeat, realizing she was still nervous about something.
“There’s something else we need to discuss…” she began.
So, what does she want to talk with him about? Just because Jimmy interrupted...again!
Does not mean they cannot get together later. Right?
