Through Time She Came

Ch.19 No Out

March 13, 1928

"Vince, can I do an all-nighter tonight?"

"Sorry, Angel. Vic beat you to it tonight."

"Swell." Vic treated this as a game. She desperately needed her nights away from the gangster.

Vic walked into her dressing room. The door left ajar.

"Swell news, baby!"

No gloating? No smugness? She was genuinely curious, but also a little suspicious. It could be something that could work to her favor, or it could be him trying to romance her. "What?"

" "What"? Where's your enthusiasm?"

"Well, tell me. I can't be excited if I don't know what's up."

He laughed, "You slay me!"

Anet's impatience growing, "Spill it already! Cuz I'm ready to head home."

"You're not going home tonight, sweetheart!" He said cheerily.

"I'm not?"

"I've just recently acquired a snazzy little mountain cottage on the lake. We're going to spend ourselves a quiet, romantic weekend there." Her suspicions won out. "No city. No business. Just you and me, sweetheart. And maybe a few others for a housewarming party.

"I don't want to go."

"You're going. After all I went through to set it up, you're going."

"Who are you? My father? I don't want to go. I'm not going. I hate mountains. I hate lakes. I hate quiet. I have to be around people, Vic, otherwise I go crazy!"

"Did you not hear me? I'm throwing a couple parties with my business partners. You'll be around people. I'll make sure you meet every one of them if it makes you happy!"

"Vic, I—," Wait. His business partners. "Fine. Maybe I'll actually get some sleep. But I'm not going tonight. We leave tomorrow or I don't go at all."

Chuckle. "You're a bearcat, my dear. You'd make a great negotiator. You acting like a big shot. But all right, you win. Tomorrow, bright and early."

"Thanks." She gave him a genuine smile. No longer annoyed or irritated. Dating him was finally paying off!

"I'monna blow. You got your car back. When you're done here, get back home and get to sleep. I'll be getting you at first light."

"Swell!" She reached up and kissed his cheek, "You have a goodnight, Vic dear. I'll see you in the morning."

A gentle hand slipped around her waist holding her in place. He gave her that crooked smile no one else around here ever saw. His big brown eyes looking into hers. "I know I've been a real crow lately, I hope we can take time this trip to smooth things out and regain a good footing in our relationship."

It always unnerved her how human he could be, "And I know I've been a bit of a prima Donna. I really would like to stay on your good side." She could say she was there being truthful. The happier he was the more freedoms she had.

That smile again, "How 'bout a real kiss goodnight?"

Anet decided it wouldn't kill her. It was the least she could do and the most she was willing to give in terms of keeping the beast at bay.

She nodded, smiling as she reached up to give him his kiss. She allowed it to last a moment since he was fixing to head out.

"Baby," he held her still, "I'm sorry for being a jerk, I really am."