Life In Smallville {2}

Chapter 15: Prodigal

Liana's at the Talon getting ready to open. Clark walks in and says, "Whoa, sure is peaceful in here this early in the morning." Liana says, "I never took you to be a coffee junkie, but I have the first pot brewing if you want to wait a sec. Anything else I can get you?" Clark holds up the help wanted sign for the Talon and says, "Just a job." Liana says, "I... here?" Clark says, "Well, if I'm gonna work, why not do it where all of my friends are hanging out?" Liana says, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't have the best track record when it comes to keeping appointments. But talk to Hank, I hear they're hiring over at the hardware store." Clark says, "Ouch." Liana says, "I didn't mean for it to sound harsh. I can put you in the running with the other applicants." Clark nods and Liana hands him the application. Later, Chloe goes to the Talon and says, "Hello, Liana." Liana says, "Hey, uh, almond mocha with extra whip?" Chloe says, "Yeah, and can you add an extra jolt of caffeine please? I'm in my, uh, post-lunch, pre-deadline coma." Liana says, "Uh-huh." Chloe says, "Thank you." Liana walks over to Katrina and says, "Katrina, could you get me an almond latte, please with extra whip? Thank you." Liana then walks back over to Chloe and she says, "Clark Kent applied for part-time?" Liana says, "Yeah." Chloe says, "And he didn't put me as a reference. What's up with that?" Liana softly smiles and says, "Doesn't matter. I'm not gonna hire him, anyway." Chloe says, "Why not?" Liana says, "I'm still not really over  with what had happened." Chloe nods and says, "Oh, I guess that makes sense. It would be awkward working with each other. Although, you know, he always comes through even if it is in his own special Clark time." Liana says, "Yeah, that's another reason why I'm kind of worried about." Chloe says, "Liana, you and I both know that Clark can do this job." Liana sighs and contemplates her options about hiring Clark.

The next day at the Talon, Clark walks in and says, "Liana, I got your message. What's up?" Liana says, "Oh, I just wanted to let you know that I filled that position." Clark says, "Great. You didn't have to consult me about it." Liana says, "Uh, yeah, I did. Congratulations, Clark, you got the job." Clark says, "Really? What made you change your mind?" Liana says, "A glowing recommendation from my co-editor of the "Torch." So the job's yours, if you still want it." Clark says, "Of course. Are you sure about this?" Liana says, "No. But I remember Lex believed in me when I wanted to start this place. We all need someone to take a chance on us. So when can you start?" Then a new voice comes and says, "Don't you think you should check with the boss first?" Clark says, "Liana, this is Lucas, Lex's brother." Liana says, "Uh, Lex never mentioned he had a brother." Lucas says, "Well, I wasn't exactly on his Christmas card list. Uh, I like the whole Egyptian/Assyrian vibe. It's clear you put a lot of time and effort into this place." Liana says, "Uh, yeah. Yeah, so did Lex." Lucas nods and says, "Well, Lex, is, uh... he's not exactly in the picture anymore." Clark says, "Lionel threw Lex out of the mansion." Lucas says, "How's he doing down on the farm, Clark?" Clark says, "He's doing great. He's a survivor." Lucas says, "Well, I hope that he can survive on nothing because anything that was his is now mine. Including this place." Liana says, "You should know that Lex wasn't my boss, he was my partner." Lucas says, "Oh. Even better." Later, at the Talon Katrina hands Liana a tray and says, "Here you go." Liana says, "Thank you." As Liana is walking away, Lucas walks up to her and says, "Where's Clark?" Liana says, "Good question." Clark comes in and says, "Liana! Sorry, I'm late." Liana says, "Hey, don't worry about it. You can make it up by taking these lattes to table three." Lucas says, "Huh. I want you to fire him." Clark says, "Fire me? For what?" Lucas says, "You're half an hour late to work. What are you doing, helping Lex dig up more dirt about me?" Liana says, "Lucas, I am not gonna fire Clark." Lucas says, "Okay, then I'll fire you too." Liana says, "Check our partnership agreement. You can't do that. Lex made sure of it." Lucas says, "Lex is history, and so is this place. You can count on it." Liana sighs frustrated.

The next day, Liana watches Clark leave his shift at the Talon and gives it to Chloe. Liana shakes her head and sighs. Later, Liana says Goodnight to the last of her customers and starts locking up. Clark comes in and says, "Liana. I realize you're locking up, but I just need to explain." Liana says, "It's not necessary. I understand. You're not mad." Liana says, "Somehow, when you let people down you make it really hard for them to be mad at you." Clark says, "Liana, I just --" Liana says, "Clark, it isn't you... so I guess that's it." Clark says, "Yeah, the shortest career in the history of the coffeehouse business." Liana says, "Second shortest. Don't forget Lana's one day at the Beanery." Clark says, "I hope this doesn't change things between us." Liana softly says, "I don't see how things are ever gonna change between us, Clark."