042. Deception

Title: Dark Shadows
Genre: Mystery, Romance
Characters: Fran Callahan, Nathan Davis, Chaz McQueen
Prompt: 042. Deception
Word Count: 811
Rating: PG
Type: Series: 21 of 33
Summary: Fran's secret meeting causes an upset.
Warnings: Brief language


“When did you hang that up?” Nathan smiled as he studied the picture of Fran with her father that was now on display in her living room.

“After I had a talk with Mom, she gave it to me.”

He paced around the floor, taking in every detail of the unfamiliar room, “That’s good, I knew you two would be all right even though you’re both more stubborn than a pair of mules.”
Fran rolled her eyes and sat down, “I’m only stubborn about things that count. Anyway, I thought you wanted to talk about work.” she said, changing the subject.

“Of course. Work, work, work,” he said, taking a seat beside her on the sofa, the shrinking space between them a welcome distraction for him, “But I rather like to play.”
She groaned and shifted positions, uncomfortable as usual with his slight but still obvious advances. “Yes, I know you do but we really need to talk about these girls. I am having zero luck getting close to them, they are so stuck up to anyone who comes into their tight little circle.”
Nathan nearly yawned, the prospect of a little harmless flirting gone, “I have faith in you, true we don’t have a lot of time but you’ll think of something to get them to open up. All it takes is one girl and you’re home free.”

“You make it sound so easy, I’m not so sure.”

“I am. I know I picked the right girl for the job. I have to thank you again for doing this, if I didn’t know any better I’d think you were doing it for me.”
She lowered her eyes at him, “In your dreams, I told you why.”

“Hey, a guy can never have too many strokes to his ego.” he glanced at the clock on the wall, evening approaching faster than he wanted. He stood up and stretched, a rough night of work ahead of him, “Frannie, I know you don’t need me to tell you but please be careful. This is a very dangerous game we’re playing.”

“I know, I won’t do anything reckless. You don’t have to worry about me.” she stood up to see him out.
He turned around to face her again, cupping his fingers gently around her face, “I always worry about you Frannie…” his voice trailed off as he caressed her cheek with his hand, the soft feeling of her skin against his caused his heart to pound as that urge to taste her lips overwhelmed him again.
She put her hand over his, the simple gesture a small acceptance of his affection, although she slowly moved it away as she smiled and said, “Well, I’ll try not to give you anything to worry about. Goodbye Nate.” she slowly closed the door behind him and let out an enormous sigh, unsure of the mixture of emotions rolling around inside her.
On his way out, Nathan was on cloud nine, she hadn’t exactly pushed him away this time, definite progress in his eyes. There was something he could see in her smile, her eyes, that told him she had feelings for him that went beyond their friendship.
He absently noticed a figure walking towards him, a large, wide frame. A man with dark brown hair, a scruffy beard.
As the man passed by, a flash went through Nate’s memory, along with one word. Boyfriend.

He nearly stopped on the sidewalk to vomit. He had completely forgotten all about the bastard, he was so consumed by Fran. He knew she cared about the guy, but did she love him, that was the real and more important question.
“Why was he here though, I know you’re friends but that doesn’t explain it!” Chaz could barely keep his anger from exploding through the walls, he had never even met the guy and he was in his house alone with his girlfriend.

“I’m sorry, you’re right, I shouldn’t have asked him over while you weren’t here. But I already told you we’ve been friends since we were kids. That’s all, I swear.” Fran crossed her arms, thankful at least this scene hadn’t taken place while Nate was with her, God only knows what he would have said to stoke the fire.
Chaz calmed down somewhat, still very jealous that another man was in his apartment while he was away, the thought of it made him angry no matter the reason, “So I can invite my girl friends over now, right? Is that how that works?”
Fran narrowed her eyes at him, “You don’t have any. At any rate, I think you’re overreacting. I don’t have time for this anyway, I’m having dinner at my sister’s house, I have to go get ready.” she turned around and stormed up the stairs to her bedroom and closed the bathroom door behind her.

Part 22