If I Can't Have You, No One Can

Chapter Eleven

After following the directions on her phone that Lena sent her, Kara drove up the long driveway towards the biggest house she had ever seen, feeling a bit intimidated by the gigantic size of it really.

Lena had gotten back late that afternoon and had told Kara that her brother was there to pick her up, so she didn't need to stop by the bistro and to meet her at the mansion. She really liked Kara and she hated that she had to hide what else she does apart from bartending from her, but she couldn't tell her. Not yet at least but hopefully one day she will and just hoped that Kara doesn't end up running for the hills and out of her life once she finds out the other side to her life.

Kara parked the car behind who she assumed was Lex's car and shut the engine off. She picked up the expensive bottle of wine she bought and got out. Walking up to the front door, she knocked and waited for it to open. Taking a breath, the door creaked open to reveal Lena on the other side.

"Kara, hi!" Lena instantly pulled her in for a hug. Even in the presence of her parents, she still wore jeans but had on a flannel shirt. A change from her normal t-shirts she usually wears.

Kara wrapped her arms around Lena and hugged her tight. "I missed you today." She whispered in her ear and let go. She let out a gasp when she noticed Lena's lip. "Lena! What happened to your lip?!"

Lena momentarily forgot about the split lip she got today and touched her finger to it. A brief shadow passed over her eyes before she managed a reassuring smile. "Oh, it's nothing, just a little accident earlier today. Sometimes I can be a bit clumsy. That's all but I'm fine."

Kara wasn't entirely convinced. "Accident? What happened?"

"I just tripped and hit a door with my mouth. It'll heal over in no time." Lena said then took the bottle of wine from Kara's hands. "Come in so you can meet my family. They can't wait to meet you and I missed you as well."

Kara, perceptive as ever, didn't press further but made a mental note to keep an eye on Lena throughout the evening. She followed Lena into the dining hall where Lillian and Lionel along with Lex and Eve were waiting.

"Mom, dad..." She got both her parents attention then cleared her throat at her brother and Eve who were in their own little world. "You two... I would like you all to meet Kara."

"Kara, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Lillian greeted with a polite smile, her eyes assessing Kara with a subtle intensity.

Kara extended her hand, returning the smile. "Likewise, Mrs. Luthor. Thank you for having me."

"You're welcome and just Lillian will do, dear."

"Lillian it is." Kara gave a nod then turned towards Lionel. "Good evening Mr. Luthor."

Lionel, with a more genial demeanor, shook Kara's hand warmly. "Please, call me Lionel. We've heard a lot about you from Lena in the short time she has been here tonight."

Kara nodded again, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "Only good things I hope." She smiled at Lena standing beside her.

"Of course." Lena chuckled.

Lex, extended a hand as well, his gaze shrewd and calculating. "Lex Luthor. Heard you are quite the reporter at CatCo."

Kara shook his hand, acknowledging the underlying scrutiny. "I try to do my best."

Eve, with her arm linked with Lex's making Lena scrunch her nose up in mock disgust since she always teases them anyway, offered a friendly smile. "Eve Teschmacher. I've seen you come into the bistro often and it's a pleasure to meet you when I'm not in the kitchen."

Kara returned the smile. "Likewise, Eve."

"Well..." Lillian clapped her hands. "Now that the introductions are out of the way, let's eat shall we." She gestured to the table that was long enough to sit an army around it comfortably. "Kara please take a seat and make yourself at home. Any friend of Lena's is a friend of ours too."

"Thank you." Kara sat in the seat Lena had pulled out for her then helped push in, unaware of the four sets of eyes that turned her way until she looked up and froze.

Lena looked up herself and frowned. "What?"

"Oh nothing dear." Lillian poured her a glass of wine with a smirk. "I've just never seen you being so chivalrous with anyone before."

"Well. Kara is our guest." Lena stated and sat in her seat, ignoring the stares of everyone.

"I think it's very sweet." Kara gave Lena's hand a gentle squeeze and a soft smile.

"Ok then." Lex cleared his throat. "Can we at least get to the food. I'm practically wasting away here." He quipped with a playful grin.

Lillian rolled her eyes and in her composed manner, cast her son a stern look. "Lex, patience is a virtue. I suggest you cultivate it."

Lena, sitting beside Lex, couldn't help but snigger at her brother's faux dismay. She exchanged a knowing glance with Kara, who sat next to her, amused by the familiar family dynamics. "Lex, you heard Mother. Patience." Lena added, her voice carrying a hint of teasing.

Lex feigned a dramatic sigh, bringing a hand to his forehead. "Patience, the bane of my existence."

Lena's sniggering turned into a full-blown laugh, earning her a raised eyebrow from Lionel. "Lena, a little decorum, please."

Lena composed herself, casting an innocent smile in her father's direction. "Of course, father. I apologize." She looked over at her parents personal chefs bringing over trays of food and couldn't help herself but get the last words in. "Would you look at that. You're prayers have been answered."

"Lena..." Lillian raised her eyebrow at her this time.

"Sorry mom." Lena sat in her seat and waited for her food to be put down.