3.1 | Complete Me ✔

Pluto Come Back

Sunday at Zane's Jewels was unexpectedly busy. It was Valentine's Day; the day of flowers, balloons and chocolates. There was barely any shopping for precious jewelry. But alas, it seemed like all of Gotham City was rushing in and out of her store, buying up all of her holiday inspired creations. She supposed she should feel happy; Valentine's Day was rough for her every year, and she was lucky if she sold a few pieces. But the way business was moving today, she might be able to close up shop early!

That sounded so temping, but then she had to consider what there was to do on a day like this.

She refused to be holed up in the house when it was so lovely outside. But to be seen anywhere by herrself would just seem so pathetic. She ought not to care, but she did . . . especially since every couple she looked at reminded her of Bruce.

The thought of him made her hot each and every time. Since she left the manor, he had kept in touch, as promised, but only scarcely. "The appropriate amount for friends", he had insisted. She sighed. She was really starting to regret that she had resigned them to 'friendship'.

She hated to admit, but she found it rather lacking. They hadn't seen each other even once since the vacation ended, and no one had suggested as much, either. Was she supposed to take the initiative? She certainly wouldn't mind if that were the case, but wouldn't that make her a hypocrite?

It probably wasn't as difficult as she was making it, but she couldn't help overthinking the whole situation. Maybe talking about it would be good. They could set some ground rules about what was acceptable and what wasn't. She thought they had done so that night at the restaurant, but she still wasn't satisfied with things as they were.

"Thank you. Come again," she said, finishing up with the last customer that had been in the store during the last crowd. She made an exquisite amount of money, and there really was only a few things left to sell. She glanced up at the clock and sighed hopelessly. It was 12:30, and even though she was willing to close early, she just wanted this whole day to be over.

"I need a boyfriend," she sighed sadly. Suddenly, the door chimed. When she looked up to greet the customer, she was astonished to see Bruce walking into her establishment! He was dressed in his standard dark clothes, looking extraordinarily handsome, as always. Like an answered prayer from Heaven.

"Afternoon, beautiful," he greeted with a warm smile as she gawked at him.

"W-what are you doing here?" she asked, rushing from behind the counter and straightening her clothes. This was the first time they were seeing each other again in a week. She knew she looked horrible.

"I'm sorry to stop by unexpectedly. I've been texting your phone, but you haven't responded."

"Have you?" she gasped, looking around frantically. As a matter of fact, she hadn't heard her phone all day. "Oh, goodness! I probably left it in the car, like I have a bad habit of doing," she explained, giving an exasperated laugh. "I'm so sorry! Was it something important?"

"If you consider having lunch with me important, then yes," he replied with a broad smile. Her eyes widened, and she felt her cheeks flame.

Lunch with Bruce Wayne? In public? Well, she'd had dinner with him in public, but . . . alone? Well, actually, he had kissed her in front of all those people, so-

"Zane?" he asked, his face falling. "Is that a no? I thought I might be crossing a boundary coming here . . ."

"No no! Not at all!" she said, snapping out of her thoughts. "I was just about to close up, anyway! Just let me grab my coat and keys." She started to rush to the back. "If anyone tries to come in, send them away!"