“Is it still an interrogation if the interrogator is also drinking and answering questions?” She chuckled gently and shrugged. “Oh all innocence goes out the window when there’s vodka involved… actually I’m probably more likely to believe you if anything. I’d be more interested in just having a good time by that point though.”
“So in other words we could skip the interrogation and go straight to the vodka then? Since it seems you won’t be in a position to interrogate and I won’t be in a position to prove much at all? Which rather makes this entire conversation pointless don’t you think?”
Cade reached out and put a hand on Lottie’s shoulder, fingers curling around to grip it. “First of all I’dwatch my tone and who I’m speaking to,” the Dominant declared. “Second, I’d take responsibility for my actions. Even if it wasn’t my choice, and even if it wasn’t planned; there was a choice made and now it had to be dealt with. Third, because yes, it does seem excessive to make someone do a year over for missing the end of a term, I’d take it up with the grievance board; to hopefully help set a precedent for other students to benefit from.” He released her shoulder. “And finally; I’d do the work instead of looking for someone to take care of it for me, or acting like I’m somehow entitled to get out of it. And maybe, the grievance board would adjust the professors decision. Or maybe not. Then I’d ask for help. Actual help; not take care of this for me so I don’t have to do it.”
Cade pulled a card form his jacket pocket, with the address of his office on it. “And if you’re ready for that kind of help Lottie; I’m still at work most days of the week; either the office or the waterfront condos, but I’d be willing to help with the actual work.”
Lottie’s eyes narrowed at his warning but she knew Oz respected the man and if Cade complained about her she could end up being punished, something she really didn’t fancy. Letting out her breath she calmed down a little as she listened to his advice. Annoyed and frustrated that he seemed to think her instinct was to try and get out of it by less than legal means, something which she was considering but still annoying that he could work it out, she gave a slight nod of agreement.
Taking his card she glanced at it before sliding it into her pocket. “Thank you Sir, I’ll think it through,” she promised while not making any specific promise to him. “May I go now?”
Arden shrugged and took a deep drag off his cigarette, relishing the burn in his throat. “Fair enough,” he said simply as he exhaled, giving her a little smile. “Mmhmm – really about three stiff drinks and the rest of my pack of cigarettes. Been a rough day.”
“Why limit yourself to three, it sounds like you need an entire bottle,” she advised before taking a long drag herself. “What do you do?”
“No one expects bad news,” Cade replied. He raised an eyebrow; typical. “Of course; always a pleasure. When you don’t get what you want immediately, move onto someone else who might. Here I thought the Montague way was to work hard to get what you want.”
Lottie had turned to walk away but hearing the dominant’s accusation she swung back round. “What?” she squawked. “I am working hard, I’m trying to get my degree but something tells me you can’t help with the current situation and as you told me yourself there’s no point just complaining about it. But if you are so clever then tell me what you would do right now?” She crossed her arms over her chest, one foot in front of the other and glared at the dominant, waiting for his response.
Spencer sat and nursed his drink as he waited for the submissive. He wasn’t terribly annoyed. Having a break with his thoughts was a good change of pace. “Hello to you too, Lottie.” Spencer chuckled as the young submissive launched directly into her order. Many things had changed since he’d last seen her but he still carried a fondness for the young woman.
“Yeh, yeh,” she laughed. “Hello and all that jazz. I’ll be far more civil with a vodka and coke in my hand!” Still chuckling to herself she looked pointedly at him until he went to the bar. Once he was back she took the drink with a thanks and took a sip before grinning at him, “So how is claimed life? Is it everything you ever dreamt of?”
“Chemistry! How exciting! I learned a little in college but very introductory levels,” she giggled. “But I never really understand how to calculate all the little things. Significant numbers still confuse me to this day! I can’t imagine ever learning specific areas of chemistry, so I really commend you for your studies.”
Lottie let out a loud laugh, “Yeh, if I had thought about how much maths is involved I might have opted for something else but I don’t mind it too much. It’s all the time in lab work that’s the killer but baring sudden absences, it all gets done.”
There were few people that Lottie had missed while she had been away but Spencer was one of them. Things were different now he was in a claim so no longer kept a change of clothes at her house, but he had stepped up and kept her safe when she needed him most and she wouldn’t easily forget that. She arrived at the bar and looked around, sighing softly as she realised he was already there and she was late – a fact that she was sure he would happily point out. Still she made her way over with a smile and sat down opposite him, “A vodka and coke thanks.”
“Thanks for the light,” Arden replied, nodding toward the person next to him. “Guess I left my lighter… somewhere.” He really was planning on quitting smoking, but after a long day in the office, it was clear today wasn’t that day. Luckily, he’d been pitied as he searched fruitlessly for his own lighter.
“Absolutely, I’ll just keep a score sheet for next time I haven’t got any cigarettes and want one,” Lottie replied with a wink as she lit up herself. “You look like you need a stiff drink.”
Lottie's wild adventure 