Tell me about it - Chap 4

"Mr. Wayne!" Lisa waved her hand in front of his eyes.


Bruce blinked. Lisa couldn't help a smile. Bruce was unsure of what happened till then. He extended his hand, for a shake, his eyes still bearing a confused expression. She decided to play along and shook his hand. It was an unusually firm shake for a woman that beautiful. Bruce was brought back into the world with that shake.



"Are you all right, Mr. Wayne. I seemed to have scared you," she gave a concerned smile.


Bruce found the necessity to talk, lest she should take him for having a concussion, "Oh, yes I am fine. It's just that, I was hardly expecting to see you again." He managed to smile.


"I guess the appropriate line would be – you hardly wanted to see me again, right!" she said, returning his smile. Bruce was impressed by her choice of words and frankness,



"All right, let me be honest with you. I was annoyed, yes, but I was more humiliated than annoyed. I was actually looking forward to see you again, at least to clear my side. I mean – they say that 'first impression is the best impression', so I did not want an incredible woman like you to have an unsound impression of me."



Lisa looked into his eyes, which seemed to be more at ease and relieved. Although his referring to her as a remarkable woman sounded like exaggeration, his eyes showed genuine appreciation.


"So, who are you with?" he asked casually.


"I am with the Mayor," she said.


"Oh, The Mayor!" Bruce said smiling. He thought she was kidding, but she spoke naturally,


"Yes, Mayor Grange. I am a friend of his wife." Bruce stopped smiling and widened his eyes again. He looked around and spotted Mayor Grange and his wife. Her eyes met his gaze, she smiled and walked towards him.



Before Bruce could say anything, she greeted Lisa and held her hand, "So, are you done with Mr. Wayne here?" she inquired and turned to Bruce, "She said that she had hurt you in the art gallery and wanted to make up for it. I couldn't refuse such a beautiful lady, so I brought her with me."


Bruce tried to fit the pieces together, "So, is she related to you in some way?" he enquired, trying to sound as casual as possible.



Mrs. Grange began to speak but was interrupted by Lisa, "Well, we have a very remote connection, to tell you the truth," she said.



"Oh, she's being too modest. She was the best friend of my friend's daughter. She was in Metropolis for a few months, and recently came to Gotham in search of another job."



"So, what kind of job are you looking for?" Bruce inquired.


Lisa carefully looked at his eyes to judge his intent, but it seemed a very casual question.


"Well, anything which is decent, non life threatening and which can pay my bills."


Bruce frowned, "Was you previous job indecent and life threatening?" he asked.


She smiled, but he did not return her smile. She realised he was determined to know.



"I was a physical fitness and self defence trainer for women," she said and paused.


She hope he'd not ask any further questions. Mrs. Grange took over from there, "She was a personal trainer to the elite of the Metropolis. She earned a very good name."


Bruce smiled, but his face showed he wasn't very satisfied with the answer. Lisa understood, but she wasn't sure if she needed to elaborate her personal life to a completely unknown man. She remained quiet too. Mrs. Grange grew a little uncomfortable with the situation.


"Ok, I'll leave you two to talk. I think I am required by Mr. Grange. Bye, sweetheart!" she pecked Lisa. Both of them watched Mrs. Grange leave were back to looking at each other. Bruce wouldn't quit and Lisa wouldn't heed.



Suddenly soft music filled the room. It was the charity dance. Bruce heard a group of young woman crooning his name. He decided to ignore that. He looked back at Lisa, who was hesitant whether to stand there or move away. Bruce broke the silence, "Would you like to dance?" She breathed in relief and immediately acknowledged.



Lisa was a wonderful dancer too. Bruce felt that she was the rhythm personified. Initially, he was very cautious about touching her, lest she should get the wrong signal. He preferred to put his arm a few inches away from her back. That caused a lot of strain in his upper arm and shoulder. She realised that and put him at ease by slightly leaning back so that his arm came in contact, thus suggesting him to rest his arm on her. She seemed very much at ease with her movements and wasn't intimidated by the other ladies squinting at her. Bruce decided not to pay attention to them either. He was completely enjoying the dance, as he was enjoying making her portrait. Time moved swiftly for the couple and Bruce never knew when the music ended.  He realised he couldn't take his eyes off her.



The gathering soon began to assemble for dinner. Mrs. Grange borrowed Lisa from him. Luckily, Mr. Grange put his arm around Bruce's shoulder and urged him to join them. He couldn't be any happy to oblige. During the dinner, Mr. Grange talked at length about his schemes and activities, the problem of funds and lack of efficient officials. Bruce listened to him very patiently, although his mind was completely on Lisa who was sitting right in front of him. He wished that he got a chance to speak to her again. And he got the chance.



"Bruce, if you don't mind, I want to ask you personal favour." Mr. Grange said.

"Anything!" Bruce replied.


"Well, I'm sure you met Lisa. Can you be of help in finding her a job?"



Lisa raised her head abruptly, her eyes widened. She shook her head to Mr. Grange. Bruce realised she did not want him to ask. "She has a high self-respect", he thought.


"Ms. Lisa, I'd be more than happy to offer you a job in my company," he said.



"I don't want any favours, Mr. Wayne", she said, trying not to sound arrogant, "I don't want you to think that I came back to apologise just so that you notice me and offer me a job. And I certainly don't want a job based on recommendations." Her voice was soft but firm.



"I am not doing it as a favour, Ms. Lisa. And don't worry; I will not take you based on any recommendation. As a matter of fact, we have an opening for my Personal Secretary and I will be interviewing the candidates myself, day after tomorrow. Just take this as information and walk into the interview with your profile, by 10 AM sharp. I assure you, if there is a better candidate, you will not be given the job. Is it all right?" He smiled.


Lisa gave a half hearted smile. She was probably contemplating. Bruce realised the reason for her dilemma and added, "The job is completely decent and not at all life threatening. If you find at any point of time that your values are being compromised, you will be free to leave the job. You have my word." Everyone at the table smiled.



Lisa nodded her head and said, "Thank you, Mr. Wayne!"


Bruce, who was till then leaning on the table straightened himself and said, "No need to thank me. I haven't given you the job yet, remember! And as long as you are not working for me, you can call me Bruce!"  



They spent some more time at the table with a light hearted conversation about Mr. Grange's association with Bruce and his father. The guests began to leave. Bruce saw each of them to the door. Finally Mr and Mrs. Grange thanked their host for a wonderful dinner and left, Lisa following them.



Bruce just couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He turned around and met the eyes of Clark. He grinned seeing Bruce's expression.


"You scared me!" Bruce said.


"I'm surprised to hear that from you," Clark said, "impressed by the girl?"



"What girl?" Bruce frowned.



"Well, if you say so," Clark smiled, "don't worry, this will not appear my news paper at least!" he mocked assurance.



"Good to hear that, Clark! I don't think Perry would be happy thought!" he winked.


"Well, he knows I'm clumsy." Clark shrugged his shoulders.



Both smiled.