Chaos Theory

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

"Thank you for meeting with me, Mr Queen."

"Oliver, please."

Chloe grinned. She couldn't believe she had an interview with Oliver Queen. The man was the Michael Jackson of the business world.

"Can I get you anything to drink before we start?" Oliver asked.

"No, thank you, I'm fine." Chloe turned her tape recorder on and set it on the seat between them.

Oliver wasn't sure why he'd agreed to this interview. Sure, Chloe was pushy but he'd refused bigger and badder than her before. He supposed he'd agreed because she intrigued him, in both her older and younger versions. Oliver had chosen his Penthouse as the location so they both felt comfortable and he had enjoyed the way she looked around when she first got here.

"So," she began. "You have a reputation for partying hard, do you think that's a fair assessment?"

Oliver was surprised by such a direct question from such a young person but having met her older self, he guessed he really shouldn't be.

The questions got harder as the interview progressed though she was sympathetic when asking about his parents.

She then surprised him by switching tactics and going for lighter questions, such as his hobbies, favourite films and books and other nonsense.

Again she started in with more difficult questions, like did he really think that at 22 he was qualified to run the business empire he had inherited.

Oliver was impressed with her. She was no Rachel Maddow but she was well on her way and her charm and tactics had actually got him talking about things he would usually prefer to keep to himself.

When she finally turned off the tape recorder he was surprised to realise that she'd been there for two hours.

"I have to say, you made that pretty painless," he said with a smile.

Chloe laughed. "Thank you. Unless you're saying I let you off lightly."

Oliver held his hands up. "I wouldn't dream of it. Actually I think you have a lot of potential."

Chloe's smile turned into a grin.

"Are you trying to charm me so I write nice things about you?"

"I would never!" He said, looking offended but with a twinkle of merriment in his eyes. "Seriously though, if you bring this much passion to a job, you can't fail."

"Thank you," she blushed. "So, uh, how long are you staying in Metropolis?"

"I fly out again on Sunday." He said. "Why, were you considering asking me out on date?"

Chloe laughed.

"As much fun as that sounds, my boyfriend is taking me out tonight."

"That's a shame," he said. "I would have liked showing you around."

Chloe wasn't sure if he was serious or teasing. Oliver wasn't entirely sure either.

"Well Miss Sullivan, it's been a pleasure," he said getting up and guiding her to the lift. "If you ever find yourself in Star City, look me up," he handed her a business card.

"Thank you," she said, blushing as she stepped into the elevator. "And thank you for the interview."

"I would say 'anytime', but I'm sure you'd try and take me up on that."

Chloe shrugged and grinned. "Can you blame me?"

"Not at all, which is why I will only say it was a pleasure and I look forward to reading your article."