"Lucie, come on clock off. You've been here since 10am this morning and by my calculations that's over 12 hours, you'll be getting me in trouble with the law!" Wade the friendly boss of the quirky venue said as Lucie finished wiping down the bar area. "Yes well you would really have been in trouble if I didn't have bar experience wouldn't you?" Lucie quickly replied with a smile and Wade nodded. "Yes I feel awful. You've worked so hard project managing this exhibition and you've ended up serving drinks." "It was no bother, the main thing is, it's gone off without a hitch." She said smiling and loading up further empty cocktail glasses onto a tray and wandering out the back.
Upon her prompt return to the bar, Wade had a stern look. "Go home, look it's only the stragglers here now anyway, we'll cope." "If you're sure?" "I insist." Lucie nodded and headed to the staff room to gather her belongings. She checked her phone and found multiple messages and voice notes from friends so took a few moments after her busy day to respond before donning her jacket and heading back out to the exhibition. The exhibition was something she was super proud of, her first time fully managing the installation and what a collection it was, the doodlings of a Hollywood icon sharing his life's work. Stumbling through the door pulling her jacket round her, she heard a smooth voice. "Wade it's been more than I could have ever dreamed off, thank you." She looked up after accidentally bumping into the man, and her eyes widened. "I'm so sorry Mr Depp." "No apologies needed. You've worked so hard. I'm surprised you're still on your feet." He smirked rubbing his chin with a low chuckle. Lucie smiled back "thank you, we are so glad you're happy. It seems your artwork has been a major hit." "Well I don't know about that but I've had a good evening and it's thanks to you both. Seriously you have my eternal gratitude." "Right that's me off." Lucie said mainly to her boss. "Mr Depp will we be seeing you on Friday for the actual opening?" She asked. "Umm, I'm not exactly sure on that one yet. Playing it cool shall we say." Lucie nodded and began to walk to the exit. "You're heading out alone?" Johnny quickly rushed after her. "Umm yes." She said stopping and buttoning her coat up, Fall had definitely began in NYC. "Don't you think that's a bit dangerous?" Johnny said shocked. "I don't live far, the other side of Chelsea." "That's got to be like 10 blocks or more?" He said completely shocked. "I'll be fine. Thank you for the concern though." Johnny held the door open for her, and guided her out to the sidewalk. "Please, allow me, I can give you a ride to where you need to be." Johnny said sweetly. Lucie looked up at his caring face, "oh no I wouldn't want to put you out." Johnny chuckled before seeing paps rush towards them. "Hate to say it darling but we need to go. Now." Lucie's eyes widened seeing the camera flashes. "On second thoughts, I think you're right." Johnny nodded holding the car door open for the lady.
Once they were safely in the vehicle, and Lucie had given the driver her address, Johnny began to roll a cigarette. "Wade was right you've worked hard today, thank you." "Don't mention it. It's my job." She smiled. "And thank you for the ride. It's very kind of you." "Hey I am a gentleman. I do what I can." Lucie smiled fondly, "well it's very sweet of you, you've had a long day too." "Not as long as you. By the way did I see you serving drinks earlier?" "Yeah two members of staff called in sick so I had to pull my weight." "Wow, Jack of all trades." "That's me. I just wanted to make sure that it was the perfect evening for your soft launch. First impressions count." "It very much was, thank you." Johnny tapped her hand that was resting on the arm rest. "So what's your big plan whilst in the big Apple?" Lucie made conversation. "Oh not an awful lot, I'm heading back to Europe next week. Other than that nothing, friends are all flying off tomorrow with stuff to do." "You're on the move a lot at the moment?" "Yes it seems I'm never settled but it's good to be busy. It stops me thinking, but I do miss the comfort of not living out a suitcase, and I just wanna feel homely again you know?"
"Here we are sir." The driver turned in his seat free pulling over outside an apartment block. "Thanks again Mr Depp." "It's Johnny." He said before adding "and you're very much welcome." Lucie climbed out the vehicle and stood up pulling her hair out her collar, she bit her lip before saying. "This is rather forward but did you wanna come in? I'm always so buzzing after an opening I won't sleep for hours, and not blowing my own trumpet but it is quite cosy." She said almost sheepishly. Johnny smiled he was touched at her gesture. "Sure I'll come in, but I'll make the drinks this time, it's the least I can do."
Johnny climbed out the car and followed Lucie into her apartment building, once they got to the top floor she let them in, it was a rather large two bedroom place with a small balcony leading to the fire shoot. Lucie began to take her jacket off and Johnny rushed behind her, gently taking the coat off her shoulders. She slowly turned smiling, "thank you." She said sweetly before he hung it up on the coat hooks behind the front door, and then doing the same with his own. "Can I get you coffee or something stronger?" "I'll take a coffee for now sweetheart thank you." Lucie nodded and headed over to the kitchen, her entire living space was open plan so she gestured to the couch. "Make yourself at home Johnny."
