Good Intentions

Ch19: The Meeting

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***POV will shift between Phil and Lily***

Dr. Phil Roberts---

The moment Sean's eyes fell on Lily, he froze. I watched the color bleed from his skin, and the realization of what tonight was about sink in. He probably only had it half right, but the part he had figured out was enough to leave him as pale as a sheet. His eyes connected with mine, and the hurt and betrayal that I saw there made me want to turn away. I was better then that though, and somehow, I would find a way to be here for everyone involved. I had no idea how, but I would make sure that Sang Sorenson and the Blackbourne team stayed together, because I knew in my heart that is what they both wanted. 

I'm sorry Sean. His eyes closed, and he took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever hell this meeting would bring for his team, and his bird. Lily cleared her throat and put on a patient smile. Right. I should get this meeting started. 

"Good afternoon Miss Sang," I said as cheerfully as I could. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Could she tell that I was uncomfortable? That I didn't want to be here? "I would like you to meet Mrs. Lily Anderson. She is a high ranking member of the Academy and a close personal friend." Lily stepped forward slowly and reached her hand out to shake Sang's. Sang hesitated only a moment, before meeting her halfway. I noticed the slightest stiffening of her posture when their hands connected, but other than that, she seemed comfortable enough. She offered Lily a kind smile as a soft blush swept across her cheeks.

"Hello Mrs. Anderson, it's a pleasure to meet you," Sang responded politely. She dropped her hand and stepped back slightly, shifting nervously in front of her chair. 

"Please, call me Lily, dear. And the pleasure is all mine." Her smile was warm and welcoming. She was using every skill she had in her arsenal to make the environment as comfortable as she could to ease Sang's nerves. And it might have been successful, if only Sean wasn't still frozen in place looking at her like she was his executioner. 

"And, I am to understand that you are already acquainted with Decan?" I asked, giving a kind smile. 

Blushing she muttered, "if by acquainted you mean he is stalking me, then sure." Her eyes blew wide in surprise and she slapped her right hand over her mouth. Decan was the first to react by dropping his mouth open in mock outrage. 

"Ghostie, I can't believe you would say such a thing!" He looked like he wanted to continue faux ranting, but he was fighting to hold back his laughter. With a casual confidence I would not have expected after just two days, he darted out his right hand to muss with her hair. It was up in a tight ponytail, but he dug his fingers in and shook. She squealed and retreated from him, laughing as she did. 

The sound of a harsh throat clearing brought our attention over to Sean, who looked like he couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. I was a little shocked myself, and Lily just looked downright smug. Sang pulled her hair loose of it's tie and straightened it out, avoiding looking at Sean.

Shaking my head a little, I continued, "Dr. Green, I believe you have met Mrs. Anderson before?" Sean nodded and finally took the three steps forward toward the last empty chair, directly across from Lily. 

"Lovely to see you again Miss Lily," Sean said through clenched teeth, reaching out to shake her hand just as Sang had. I noticed Sang tense and suck in a sharp breath, I assume in response to his tone. How in-tune was she with this team already? Lily smiled back and gave a curt nod. She knew under any other circumstances, Sean would be genuinely pleased to see her, just not today's. 

"And have you met Decan, yet?" I asked, already knowing he had. 

"Yes, I had the pleasure the other night. Though I did not know he was Academy. Good to see you again, Decan..." he let the question trail off as he reached out to shake Decan's hand. Decan smirked at him, returning his shake.