Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Wayne Legacy: Rise

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 05:

Star City

The two sisters stepped out of their limousine to the familiar lights of camera’s snapping, flashes bursting and photographers asking them to turn this way and that for the shots that would grace magazine covers.

Diana had always felt comfortable in this world. Perhaps it was because she and Bruce had attended charity events like this one with their parents as they were growing up, whereas Kara was too young to do so before they died.

Kara, on the other hand, was never comfortable with media following her in public and citizens recognizing her on the street. Her sheltered upbringing may have had something to do with her discomfort, as well as her shyness but Kara had always felt out of place outside of her family and work.

It began in college. Entering Gotham University at fifteen denied her of a normal high school and college experience. She had chosen to do so because she was bored with home schooling but even her college educational experience was no challenge to her.

Socializing was the problem. Not only was she too young to have anything in common with college age students or even upper-level high school students, she was also driven to and from school in a limousine and escorted by at least four bodyguards to every class who lacked any form of discretion.

Once she turned seventeen, she had several offers for dates, but she remained guarded, never knowing if they were interested in her or her money. She had been on a few dates since college, her bodyguards attempting to be discreet but usually not succeeding.

Though she made the effort to have a semblance of a social life, being around people she didn’t know made her uneasy. She was much more comfortable and content to sit in the R&D departments at Wayne Tower or her workshop in the manor, building and modifying her toys.

Machines made sense to Kara. They were strong, had a purpose, could easily be fixed when broken, and wouldn’t suddenly die forever or disappear in the middle of the night leaving only a note.

She felt at peace tinkering, whether she was building a remote control car, rebuilding a plane, writing computer code or designing a weaponized satellite or armored vehicle.

It was people Kara had a problem with, especially the elite she was often forced to deal with.

Tonight it was Star City’s elite.

“Relax, you look beautiful.” Diana promised, whispering in her sister’s ear and taking her hand.

She had convinced Kara to let a personal shopper pick her dress and a stylist do her hair and makeup on the flight over. In Diana’s opinion, her sister was even more radiant than usual. Kara’s bright blonde hair and deep blue eyes, had always given her an aura of lightness that she and Bruce lacked.

Tonight Kara looked like an angel, her blonde hair straightened and hanging gracefully to the middle of her back, a white silk halter dress that would have touched the floor if not for her heels. To Diana’s disappointment and concern, Kara had forgone her glasses tonight, instead opting for contacts she rarely wore. Diana always feared introducing unnecessary points of infection, but Kara was adamant about wearing the contacts tonight. Diana pushed down her concerns and vowed to enjoy the evening as best she could with her beautiful sister by her side.

Kara, who kept a smile on her face despite feeling uneasy in the spotlight, replied in a low voice she knew Diana would hear. “It’s not easy when you are having hundreds of pictures taken of you standing next to a princess.”

Diana usually took all the attention and tonight was no exception. The dark-haired beauty was dressed in a long-sleeved, dark purple evening gown with heels that pushed her height to over six feet. Diana was the epitome of elegance and power in Kara’s mind: dark, mysterious, tall, intimidating and breathtakingly beautiful. She also happened to be the richest woman in the world as well as CEO of the world’s largest, most powerful company, all at the age of twenty-eight.

“I am no princess.” The older sister whispered, her smile never wavering.

Kara snickered quietly. “There is a mystery tiara in our basement that says differently. Maybe you are a queen.”

Diana squeezed her hand playfully. “Mom used to call you Supergirl when you were a baby. Everything you fought through, everything you survived, the positivity you still have, that is more impressive than a tiara. You have always been my Supergirl and that trumps a princess. Buck up, Bunny and look like you want to be here. You are incredibly beautiful so stop doubting yourself. A few more pictures of your bright smile and we walk inside.”

Kara did as her big sister told her, as she always did in these situations. True to Diana’s promise, in less than a minute the two were inside the lavish ballroom reserved for this charity gala, dinner, dance… Kara honestly wasn’t sure what this event was. The sisters usually attended a charity function every two weeks or so but mostly in Gotham or Metropolis. This was her first trip to Star City but to Kara, one city looked like another.

Taking a look around, it was obvious the sisters’ entrance had caught the attention of nearly everyone in the room. The attendees were polite enough not to stare but Kara noticed the split second all conversation became stilted, and the eyes of hundreds of people cut towards them. She was thankful for the blush she already wore and even more grateful to be standing at her sister’s side. Diana was not bothered by the whispering and the stares, acting as a queen might when she entered her court.

She noticed the layout of the room, buffet tables spread around with tables circling a dance floor in the middle of the room. There was a string orchestra set up near the front softly playing and several people were dancing.

“What charity is this for anyway?” Kara whispered nervously.

Diana shook her head slightly. “An educational program for the underprivileged that Moira Queen runs. Silver wanted our support tonight, so we are here.”

Kara let out a frustrated breath. “I haven’t forgotten Silver’s involvement in this. Couldn’t we have just sent a check? Don’t we have people for that? We must have people for that, right? We have people for everything else. Why did Silver want us here? It’s a waste of time. We have enough publicity.”

Diana grinned at Kara’s protestations, not bothering to hold back a chuckle, very aware of how much her sister hated these events. Honestly, Diana hated them herself and especially hated bringing Kara into large crowds. It took Eliza talking to her constantly, especially during Kara’s college years, reminding Diana that if she didn’t let her sister out in public every so often, she may as well keep Kara in the bubble she was forced to stay in when she got sick, or some new illness struck Gotham.

“It is important we are here. We are the faces of the company. The more we are seen being charitable, the more positive Wayne Enterprises is looked on by the public. This helps sales and lets us be seen as invested in the social welfare of the world. Giving back to those less fortunate was important to our parents. Now it is our job to follow their example, plus it is the right thing to do.” Diana explained, for what seemed like the hundredth time. Kara complained at every one of these events.

“You are the face of the company.” Kara replied sullenly.

“We are the face of the company, and you are also the well-known brains of the company.” Diana countered, smiling fondly at the disgruntled look on her sister’s face. “Let’s grab a drink. You can have one drink…”

“Didi!” Kara whispered harshly. “I’m twenty-one.”

Diana sighed, knowing she had to break her overprotective habit but having a difficult time in her constant concern for her little sister. “I’m sorry, Bunny. Just… please be careful and remember you have an examination with Eliza on Monday. Excessive alcohol could skew test results. Also, use hand sanitizer often tonight… I know I will be. I see much slime here.”

The two walked to the bar, smiling and nodding at people Diana recognized and Kara supposed she should recognize and acted as if she did. Once the two had glasses of champagne in their hands, both relaxed and took in the room.

Holding her glass in front of her mouth, Diana turned slightly. “Heads up, Bunny. Moira Queen has seen us and is inbound. She is the widow of Robert Queen.”

Kara had never met the woman but knew of her. “Her husband and son died three years ago, right? Boating accident?”

Diana nodded. “The tall black man with her is her new husband, Walter Steele. He is now CEO of the company and a very nice man.”

“And her?” Kara questioned.

“I don’t trust her.” Diana replied. “Be your charming self and focus on Walter.”

Moira and Walter approached the two sisters with bright smiles on their faces, Walter’s smile genuine and Moira’s as if she had won a prize.

“Diana! Kara! It is so good to see you again!” Moira greeted them. Kara could not remember ever meeting the woman but smiled politely and greeted her just the same. The blonde tended to zone out at these functions, as Diana was well aware, and hardly kept track of names or faces she had met.

Diana took the woman’s hand as if they were old friends, who had lunch every day. Kara often wondered how she did it. The brunette had always drawn people to her effortlessly.

“Moira, a lovely benefit you have provided. The educational initiative programs you wish to set up in the poverty stricken areas of your city are so needed. Star City is lucky to have someone like you and your family looking out for it.” Diana told her host, piling on the charm. “I am also glad I have a chance to congratulate you on your wedding in person. I wish I could have made it, but I was stuck in Madrid.”

“Thank you, Diana. I am also glad to hear your brother has made his way home to you. I know you have been searching for years. Is he well?” Moira asked.

Diana and Kara both internally cringed. Was he well? That was up for debate, Kara thought, but it wasn’t her problem.

“Yes, well… unfortunately my brother has always been a bit… lost since the death of our parents. He needed this time to sort himself out.” Diana said vaguely.

“Will he be joining the company, Diana?” Walter asked and Kara found his British accent charming. He did give off the feel of a stand-up guy, but Kara could easily see what Diana was talking about in regard to Moira. Something about the woman seemed to be off. She also doubted the woman gave a damn about poor kids who couldn’t read well.

“No, at least not anytime soon. Bruce will be taking the time to integrate himself back into Gotham. He has wandered the world for six years. We haven’t discussed his future plans. We are just overjoyed to have him home.” Diana offered, not about to tell them her brother’s desire was to bring fear to the criminals of Gotham as a vigilante. “He sends his regrets that he could not make it tonight.”

Kara nearly snorted, having wanted to hurt him when Diana told her of Bruce’s request. He had asked Diana if he could come to spend time with the two of them and Diana had threatened to throw him off the jet once they reached cruising altitude.

“I am sure it is a relief just to have him home.” Walter replied assuredly.

Moira nodded in agreement, her look was one of sorrow, her son and husband having been lost at sea. The expression was gone after a moment, replaced by a faux smile. “I do appreciate your presence, both of you. Having Wayne Enterprises backing is a huge boon. Gotham is lucky to have you and I am so glad you have extended your great generosity towards Star City. I would like to introduce you to some friends who have been dying to meet you. Would you mind?”

Diana assured her that was fine, and she looked forward to getting to know the fine humanitarians of Star City. Kara managed not to roll her eyes and begged off to visit the bathroom, promising she would meet Diana at their table.

As soon as she had checked her makeup and hair, Kara washed her hands and used the hand sanitizer, a habit that had been ingrained into her over her life. She had hoped to hide behind the table area and watch the dancefloor. By her estimation, if Diana were involved in a conversation she could not politely get out of, the blonde would have twenty minutes of alone time before she was found and drawn into the same boring conversations. Perhaps in that time, she could find Silver St. Cloud and torture her.

“You’re Kara Wayne, right?” A female voice came from her right as she was looking across the large room.

Kara closed her eyes briefly then turned toward the voice with a bright smile. She saw a teenager, perhaps sixteen, pretty with shoulder length, wavy brown hair, wearing a dress that was made more for a nightclub than a charity event. A blonde girl the same age stood behind her grinning as if she were in on a joke.

“Yes, I’m Kara. A pleasure to meet you…”

“Thea Queen.”

“I assume you are Moira’s daughter? I just met her and your stepfather. They seem lovely.” Kara remarked.

The girl looked at her strangely. “You’ve met them twice before.”

Kara was surprised because she honestly didn’t remember ever meeting them once, much less twice. “Oh, right. I meant I just talked with them, and they are lovely as always.”

Thea looked at her haughtily, a way that seems natural to many young socialites. “Is it true that if someone sneezes around you, you could die?”

Kara tensed, her fake smile gone. She took in the young teen and looked her in the eyes. She noticed the girl had a slightly faraway look and wondered if she had been drinking or was possibly on medication, most likely not prescribed to her. A longer look at her blonde friend left no doubt. They were both either drunk, high or both. Since she smelt no alcohol, Kara suspected drugs.

“No, that isn’t true. I would be perfectly healthy if someone were to sneeze around me, though I can understand your concern. My Cellular Research and Development department did make your phone after all so I would imagine my health is important to you. How do you like the latest model?”

Thea ignored the question, seemingly intent on agitating Kara, for a reason known only to her. “I heard your brother is back. Must be nice to have him. My brother died three years ago. What was Bruce Wayne’s excuse for leaving? Was he tired of you and your sister, or did he have one too many colds to be around you? Maybe…”

“Thea Queen!” a new, sharp voice broke in from behind Kara. The blonde turned and saw an angry looking man in his mid-twenties with dark hair and lovely eyes wearing a tux.

“Tommy!” Thea squeaked in surprise, obviously having not expected the man to overhear her.

The man marched past Kara and grabbed the young girl by the arm, dragging her away. Kara couldn’t hear what was being said but whoever this Tommy was, he was obviously angry. Thea Queen was paling, her eyes wide and shaking. The young blonde who was with the girl abandoned her, walking off quickly.

Thea’s eyes finally went to the floor, and she walked off just as quickly. Kara could swear she could see tears in the girl’s eyes.

The man watched Thea walk away and shook his head then turned his attention back to Kara. He had a regretful look on his face as he met her eyes and slowly approached her.

“I apologize for her. She isn’t normally like this.” He told her.

“She is high.” Kara plainly told him.

He winced and nodded his head. “I suspect she may have gotten into someone’s pills. I’ll have a talk with her mother though I’m not sure it will do any good. She has had a rough time since her brother and father died, but that’s no excuse for how she treated you just now. Moira told me she has had a strange reaction to the news your brother returned, and I suspect she wishes it were her brother… but as I said, there is no excuse for her.”

Kara grinned shyly at the man who seemed genuinely regretful. “You seem to know me, but I am at a disadvantage.”

He blushed and shook his head then gave her a large smile. “I apologize. I am Tommy Merlyn. My Father and I are seated with you and your sister. She was wondering where you might have run off to and I offered to find you. Anything to get away from business talk. I heard Thea…”

“She isn’t your responsibility. There is no need to apologize.” Kara interjected, not wanting him to feel guilty over the remarks of a stoned teenager. “I have heard worse over the years. When you are a wealthy, fifteen-year-old recluse in college, rumors are numerous. I know what is said about me.”

The man sighed and explained further. “Oliver, her brother, was like my brother. We grew up together. I suppose I’m trying to fill that role in Thea’s life and am failing miserably.

“As far as you are concerned, all I have heard is you are a beautiful genius and a survivor who keeps fighting, who makes this world a much better place. I don’t know what others say but I will have words with anyone who says differently.”

Kara nodded appreciatively with a smile, acknowledging his words but not needing them. When you have been faced with death more than once in your life, other’s opinions of you stop mattering.

“I suppose we should join your father and my sister.” She suggested.

Tommy shrugged his shoulders and cringed. “I have to warn you, they are talking about very dry topics. I heard the words ‘Japanese markets’ and tuned out the rest. So unless you are in a hurry to join their discussion, perhaps you would do me the honor of a dance?”

Kara looked across the room and saw Diana seated and conversing with a man whose large, charming smile failed to mask the fact that his eyes were roaming her sister’s body. She really had no desire to return.

“It would be a pleasure.” She told the younger Merlyn who at least had the decency to not undress her with his eyes while speaking to her.

The two stepped out onto the dancefloor in silence and Kara was pleased to find he knew what he was doing. They fell into step naturally and danced without words for two songs, during which they exchanged only shy smiles.

“So do you work for your father?” she asked after a bit, wanting to get to know him a little better.

Tommy closed his eyes for a moment and looked unsure of himself for the first time that night. “I… have various hobbies I am interested in but working with my father is not one of them.”

“So, what do you do?” Kara asked, genuinely interested.

The man was silent for a moment. “I… I am always on the lookout for potential investment opportunities, startup ventures, investments, that sort of thing.”

“So… you are unemployed.” She told him with a straight face, barely holding in a laugh.

Tommy cringed at her bluntness but relaxed when she smiled. “That obvious?”

Kara shook her head. “No, it’s not. It’s good to take time to figure out what you want in life rather than blindly following a path others laid out for you.

“My family’s company has always been a passion of Diana’s, one she excels at. After our parents died, she worked extremely hard to be successful in running it.

“On the other hand, my passion lies in technology. I love to build and innovate but I also enjoy working with my sister. I’m fortunate that I can do both, but nobody should be forced to do something just because society expects them to. My parents would have never wanted that for us.

“I have a good feeling about you, Tommy Merlyn. That might be because you were my knight in shining armor tonight, though I bet you are going to do great things someday.”

The man was taken back by that. “I think you are the first person who has ever said that to me. Thanks, Kara. I am sorry about Thea. I swear most of the time…”

Kara shook her head to cut him off, slipping her hand from around his neck to his chest. “Don’t. I get it, okay? I was only five, but I remember my parents. I remember sleeping in between them, my father carrying me on his back across the grounds while making horse sounds. I still remember the smell of the skin cream my mom wore before bed. She would kiss my cheek when tucking me in and I could smell it every night.

“I was fifteen when my brother disappeared. I prayed he was alive but deep down, I believed he was dead… otherwise he wouldn’t have left us for so many years without at least contacting us to let us know he was still among the living.

“Anyway, I know what it’s like to deal with loss at a young age. It can make some people very bitter, make them to retreat from the world. I just hope she doesn’t fall into drugs or alcohol on a regular basis. I understand it is a hard habit to kick, especially so young.”

Tommy was surprised at her understanding and continued gliding them across the floor. “You are not what I expected, Kara Wayne. I have the phone you designed and have played your video games and apps for hours. I sort of expected a cold, tech geek and you are anything but. You are a surprise.”

Kara laughed and twirled. “My teams make those products. The video games are courtesy of a man named Winn Schott. The phone was my design, but our cellular division is constantly planning the next upgrade and our apps and computer operating systems are credited to our cyber systems division led by Barbara Gordon. I usually spend most of my time building things that go boom.”

Tommy chuckled. “Nothing like a girl who is into guns. Forgive me for being forward but that’s kind of hot.”

Kara giggled. “That’s fine. I think it’s kinda hot too. It’s usually my first line when I pick up guys in a bar. Or would be if I ever picked up a guy in a bar.”

Tommy pulled her a little bit closer and leaned in. “Speaking of bars, I can think of a thousand things to do in Star City rather than hanging out with these people. I know the keynote speaker is going to be an exceptional bore. Any chance of us slipping out the back entrance to avoid the press? I know the best burger joint in town, within walking distance. I promise, you have never had a bacon cheeseburger like the ones at this place. I’ll even throw in a chocolate malt, on me.”

Kara weighed the pros and cons of this. As far as pros, she had no doubt she would have fun and would get a cheeseburger, something she had been craving for weeks. She could also imagine going to a club afterward and having a drink that was not wine with real dance music. She could get to know Tommy Merlyn in a more comfortable fashion, not on a dance floor surrounded by hundreds of the social elite watching their every move.

As far as cons, if she left, Diana would find out soon, send security to track her down or worse, find Kara personally. She would have her diet even more strictly monitored and have appointments every other day with Eliza, including a barrage of tests including blood panels, and Diana would bar her from work for a week.

She could understand Diana’s point of view. The last time she had gone to a club, she had been nineteen and with Eliza’s daughter, Alex, and Barbara Gordon. Diana had been against it, but Kara had begged to go and eventually Diana relented. Though Kara did not drink and maintained all her normal safety protocols, she did dance the night away, letting loose as she only seemed to be able to do with her best friends.

The next morning, she had a headache and sniffles that turned out to be a rare flu strain her body’s artificial immune system was not prepared for. A week of fever and pain led to a two week medically induced coma and Kara’s certain belief that she was going to die without seeing her brother ever again while Diana had to watch in agony, not knowing if she would survive. This was followed by a month of physical recovery.

Then again, it was just a bacon cheeseburger and no club outing had been mentioned. One cheeseburger wouldn’t break her diet and she had a good feeling about this guy, not to mention he was handsome. She didn’t have to go dancing and doubted he would be upset if he offered, and she turned him down. Besides, Diana never stayed upset with her long. Once they got to the place, she could text her sister to let her know she was fine without giving Diana her location right away.

“I suppose…” Kara began to agree before she was interrupted.

“Cheeseburgers will have to wait, I am afraid, Mr. Merlyn.” Bruce told him, appearing out of nowhere. “I have waited an exceptionally long time to dance with my sister once again and this is too good of an opportunity to pass up. If I may cut in?”

Both looked at Bruce Wayne, surprise coloring their faces for quite different reasons. Tommy had not expected the man who had taken up so much of the news the past week to be here and Kara’s shock was turning quickly to anger.

“I don’t think we have had the pleasure. I’m Tommy Merlyn.”

Bruce smirked at the man. “Everyone knows who I am. We can get to know each other at the table during dinner. My sister seems to have forgotten to arrange a seat for me. Could you be so good as to grab one?”

Tommy looked as annoyed as Kara was feeling. The man smiled warmly at Kara and moved to kiss her hand before Bruce placed his over Kara’s wrist.

“Can never be too careful.” Bruce told him then tilted his head back towards the table where Kara now saw Diana glaring at their brother.

The blonde leaned past Bruce to plant a chaste kiss on Tommy’s cheek. “Forgive my brother. His years away have not made him any smarter or less of a jerk. Save me a seat next to you and I’ll see you soon.”

Tommy nodded and moved off reluctantly.

Once they were alone, Bruce led Kara to the string quartet and requested a song.

“Viennese Waltz. Have you kept up your ballroom dance lessons, Bunny?”

Kara wished they were alone so she could hit him. “You will call me Kara, not Bunny, and no… some of us have jobs and don’t waste time with frivolous activities.

“Now what the hell are you doing here? I told you I wanted nothing to do with you. Have you sunk so low you have no respect for the wishes of anyone?”

“I would say I’m sorry but I’m not. I’ve wanted to dance with you for years. The entire room is watching. Are you going to deny me one dance?” Bruce asked her, not apologizing.

Kara planted a fake smile on her face. Like they were children again, Bruce took Kara’s hand and led her to the dance floor. The two fell into step as if it were years ago, when Bruce was her partner during her lessons.

The room seemed to stop as the siblings twirled around the dancefloor, seemingly as one, in rhythm and gliding through the moves perfectly.

“You must have kept up with your dancing skills on your many travels. You probably have a slut in every city of every continent for as long as you were gone.” Kara told him while they danced, the venom in her voice not contained by her smile. “I don’t want you here and you had no right to interfere in my conversation. I remember before you left, you were angry all the time. It seems you have grown out of angry teen to adult asshole. Congratulations on your achievement. You don’t have many.

“And how the hell did you even get here? You don’t have the authorization to use any of the company’s aircraft and no one is stupid enough to let you borrow one without Diana’s approval.”

Bruce twirled her around, and brought her back in. “I took the Cessna you have been rebuilding in your workshop. Wonderful work. I’m glad to see our dirt landing strip was still somewhat stable.”

At his admission, Kara was instantly enraged, fighting to keep her anger off her face. She leaned in closer and whispered threateningly, “I don’t give a damn if you’ve just returned from the dead, take something of mine again without permission and I will hurt you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine. As for my imagination… you do remember how vivid my imagination can be, don’t you, asshole?”

The shock in her brother’s eyes and his slight nod was enough for her to know he understood as she continued to dance in step with him. “I want it back in my workshop first thing tomorrow morning. Do you understand or do I need to get Didi to explain it to you?”

“No, I’ll put it back, I’m sorry.” Bruce replied with as much sincerity as he could manage in the wake of her anger.

“So why are you here?” She asked, still maintaining her smile.

Bruce leaned in so he could easily whisper in her ear. “I wanted to talk to you and thought if I spoke to you here, you might hear me out and not embarrass me in public.”

Kara broke step and stomped on Bruce’s foot. The man hid the wince he wanted to show when her heel quickly dug in. “I’m only dancing with you so as not to embarrass my sister. You have embarrassed her enough already.”

Bruce continued to guide her around the dancefloor. At this point no others were dancing, content to watch the Wayne siblings moving around the floor in perfect rhythm.

The song ended and Kara gave him a bright smile, leaned forward to kiss his cheek and whispered in his ear. “If you ever pull something like this again, polite society behavior is gone. I will hurt you, Bruce. I meant what I said, and you will abide by my wishes. Stay away from me.”

Bruce winced as if she had slapped him, which in a way, she had. “Are you ever going to forgive me, Kara?”

Kara looked at him stoically. “Give me six years and I’ll consider it.”

She walked off without waiting for him, moving towards the table Diana was seated at along with the Merlyn father and son. Tommy had not gotten Bruce a chair but held Kara’s for her before seating himself beside the blonde. Her brother was not dissuaded and retrieved one himself from another table.

“A beautiful dance, Kara.” Diana told her with a fond smile. Then she turned to her twin and the smile was gone. “I wasn’t aware you would be able to attend, Bruce. How wonderful. I’ve texted Silver to find you an empty place at one of the tables so you can mingle. A waiter should be here shortly. This is Malcolm and Tommy Merlyn.”

The men exchanged pleasantries. Malcolm and Bruce locked eyes as if measuring each other up. Merlyn had a slight grin on his face while Bruce wore a large smile, neither looking away.

The conversation turned to topics not considered business while Kara stayed quiet, only glancing at Tommy occasionally who had a smile ready for her every time. Bruce behaved himself and Kara prayed it would stay that way. She also hoped wherever the hell Silver was, the woman was finding Bruce somewhere else to sit. This was the longest Kara had been around him and she was keen for him to be gone.

“So Kara, anyone special in your life?” Malcolm asked out of the blue, catching Kara off guard.

“Who me? No… I don’t have much time to get out.”

“Kara, you went on a date not long ago. Who was it?” Diana asked, knowing exactly who it was. She had a security check done on the boy that came complete with interviews from his grade school teachers.

“Just a guy from MIT I met at a conference. After our second date, he asked if he could borrow our yacht to hold a reunion of his frat buddies. I had a feeling he was more interested in our yacht than me, so I declined his offer of further dates.” Kara replied with an exasperated look at her sister.

Tommy shook his head. “That kind of thing happens to me a lot, you never know if they are interested in you or your money.”

“And yet it has never stopped you from spending time with whoever you want. Perhaps you should be as guarded as Kara in regard to who you spend your time with, Tommy. I think settling down may do you good.” Malcolm politely suggested, but Kara could see the strain on Tommy’s face as he reigned in his anger at his father’s unwanted advice.

“Wow, this just got awkward.” Bruce said, almost smiling before Diana kicked him under the table causing him to wince instead.

Kara agreed, upset that Malcolm had said such a thing to Tommy in front of others while Tommy had been nothing but polite to her all afternoon. She was also irritated with her brother for being an ass and pointing it out, but at this point her opinion of Bruce probably couldn’t be any lower.

“Speaking of going out, Tommy suggested a restaurant nearby where we could grab some dinner. I’m thinking the two of us might slip out for a while and return after the keynote speaker is done.” Kara said with what she hoped was confidence in her voice and prayed Diana said nothing that would make her seem like a child, asking for permission from her parent.

Diana froze, a smile on her face, fighting back the urge to smash the glass in her hand. Malcolm looked pleased and Bruce grinned at Diana’s reaction.

“Of course. I know these things bore you and it will do you some good to relax. You will need to take our car though… the guards are just outside.” Diana offered politely, making sure Kara understood she would be going nowhere without her bodyguards.

The woman planned to interview a new head of security and personal guard for Kara on Monday but right now, she had only brought two on the trip. Once the public learned of Wayne Enterprises new Defense Department contract, Kara would need to be more protected than ever.

“They are welcome to take my car, Diana.” Malcolm said eagerly. “My security personnel are top notch. I can have the car pulled around in minutes.”

Tommy raised his hand, knowing what his father had in mind and cutting it off. “I don’t think Kara would be comfortable with hundreds of cameras seeing us leaving together. Diana, if you could have your car brought to the back entrance behind the kitchen, I promise I can get us there without being seen and have Kara back before the last round of self-congratulatory toasts.”

Diana looked at the man thoughtfully for a long moment, then nodded taking her phone out to make a call.

Two minutes later, the two were in the kitchen, Tommy stopping Kara just before the door to take a look himself. The car was there but so were twenty or so reporters and camera men looking for celebrities to slip out the back, just as they were doing.

“I don’t care if they see us together, Tommy.” Kara assured him.

Tommy gave her a wicked grin and had a gleam in his eyes. “I don’t want them following us. This place is my little hideaway and the two of us should be able to hang out in peace. Just wait for a few minutes.

“By the way, I sensed a little tension at the table. How angry are you at your brother?”

Kara’s face visibly darkened.

“So, not one of your favorite people. You’re going to love this.”

Tommy motioned her to stay behind the door and slipped out. The cameras focused on him, but he held his hands up.

“What are you guys doing back here?! Moira Queen and Walter just had a huge argument about Bruce Wayne, and I think Bruce and Moira are about to leave the hotel together, right out the front door!”

In seconds, every cameraman and reporter was gone.

Kara walked out with wide eyes and a huge smile. “Moira Queen is going to be so pissed off at you.”

Tommy brushed it off. “I’ll deny everything if asked. Let’s go before they figure out we lied.”

“We?” Kara asked, but was already being pulled into the car by Tommy.

Ten minutes later, after several turns to make sure they were not followed, the two pulled up in front of a place called ‘Big Belly Burger’ .

“I feel fat just reading the sign.” Kara admitted.

Tommy held her hand and urged her inside with a smile. The two sat at a window booth, Tommy in his tux and Kara in her formal dress and ordered cheeseburgers, fries and shakes.

Once the food arrived, they ate, Kara practically ravenous and Tommy trying to keep up.

“That was so amazing.” Kara whispered when she was done.

“I told you. I’m guessing cheeseburgers are not something you eat often? ”

Kara laughed quietly. “My life includes a strict diet. I’ve eaten foods that boost my immune system as far back as I can remember. I eat a lot of soy, fish, wild game, certain vegetables. All the wild game I eat has to be from grass feeding animals. I have a variety of food I can eat but none of it is processed or greasy. I love coffee but am stuck drinking green tea every morning. I hardly ever get to eat something like this. I do get to cheat about once a month but that’s it.”

Tommy winced. “So, no Chinese takeout or fried burritos or hotdogs?”

Kara shook her head. “Nope. If it doesn’t boost my immune system, it doesn’t go in me. I drink alcohol but not much. So, as you can see, most of the time, I am a difficult date. Not that it matters. I prefer to spend my time at work or in the garage.”

“The garage? How big is this garage?”

Kara shrugged her shoulders. “Maybe ten thousand square feet. I keep a couple of planes I am refurbishing and all of our cars in there, including my restoration projects. I also have a metal working area, fuel depot… it’s not bad. I’ve thought of adding on to it, but it works for now.

“We have a large basement as well but that’s more for working out. It’s where my training pool is. I’ve been swimming since I was eleven or so and was on a private swim team until I started college. I was pretty good. I even won a few races.”

“You have an amazing ability to make me feel like an underachiever.” Tommy said, smiling wistfully.

“I’m just an overachiever.” Kara replied, returning the smile. “So tell me about you, Tommy.”

“What would you like to know?” he asked, desperately trying to think of something that could impress her. Most women were simply impressed by his money. He never had to work to get to know someone and he definitely did not live a disciplined life.

He had to think of something though. From the moment he saw Kara Wayne across the room, he felt as if the breath had been knocked out him.

“Tell me why you don’t like your father.” Kara suggested quietly.

Tommy sobered at that, not expecting her to ask. He took a deep breath.

“My mother was murdered on the street when I was a kid. My father dealt with it by leaving me for two years. I had no idea where he went, or what he was doing. When he came back, he was a different person. He was cold, calculating, distant. I guess I’m still waiting for my father to come back and am beginning to realize he never will.”

Kara’s eyes watered. She understood abandonment. “What did your mother do?”

Tommy smiled warmly. “She was a lot like your mother. I believe they even knew each other. She spent her life helping the people of the Glades, trying to make their lives better. She started a free medical clinic. It’s still going today.”

Kara grinned and reached across the table to take his hand. “So, that’s where you get it.”

“Get what?” He asked, a bit confused.

“The goodness I see in you.” She replied. “I told you, Tommy, I think you will do great things.”

“You really believe that?”

Kara nodded. “Absolutely. Just ask anyone… I’m never wrong.”