Damned If I Do *Matt Murdock* (book one of Damned)

18) I'm not the same anymore...

Important note!!! In this chapter, there will be one scene where Czech alternate with English – I decided that instead of translating it later, I'll write it in English as well. The "Czech" parts are underlined=> Speaking Czech
Because language barrier ♥.

It only took few minutes for her phone to ring. She could hear the car parking in front of the building, followed by the door closing and hurried footsteps. Before she could open, the buzzing sound made it instead. Vera rolled her eyes – Nina and Terri were probably watching the street from the window.

A familiar face appeared in the door – just not the one she had expected. The person wore a goofy grin on his slightly chubby face and had too long and too blond hair. Vera recognized Matt's best friend. Foggy.

He observed her cautiously, before his eyes widened with recognition. "I'm sorry, I'm here to pick up someone named Veronica Machackova?" he offered in a light voice, letting the door close behind him.

The corners of her lip twitched. "That would be me."

He gasped in pretended shock, his hand on his chest, right over his heart. "Not possible. There is no way Matt scored such a beautiful lady as his date. Damn you, Murdock!"

"That's probably the most original compliment I've ever heard. Thank you, Mr. Nelson."

Vera knew he was just being a comedian, but it cheered her up anyway. His smile widened and he extended his hand. She took it.

"It's Foggy. It's a pleasure to finally meet you officially, Vera." To her surprise, he hadn't shaken her hand – he kissed it on its back. She would blush if anyone saw them. She was glad the hallway was empty.

"Enchanté."

"Smooth. He told me you would be nervous, so I would have to be nice, you know. He's a freaking liar," he complained, let go of her hand an offered her his arm.

"Maybe I'm just a good actress."

His expression darkened as they stepped out. "Well, keep it up. Otherwise they are going to shark-attack us."

"That's reassuring," she noted and she would swear his face paled. She liked the comedian better. "We can try not to splash too much. I heard it attracts them."

Foggy gave her the weirdest glare and then chuckled. "I take it back. You're definitely Matt's girlfriend."

Vera had no idea what that meant, but it didn't sound too offensive, so she let it slide. Foggy led her to the taxi, opening the backdoor for her. "Thank you."

She got in, finding Karen and Matt on the backseat as well – Foggy headed to the front.

"Hey, Vera. Good to see you again!" Karen welcomed her cheerfully and Vera spent precious moments observing her – Vera couldn't see her dress, because of her coat and Matt blocking Vera's view, but her hair was tangled together in a complicated chignon, few spreads hanging from it loosely. Her make-up was a little more distinctive than Vera's, but still discreet. It calmed her down.

"Hi, Karen."

She finally paid enough attention to the man sitting by her side now. She was disappointed he was wearing his glasses, yet his presence comforted her more than Foggy's jokes and Karen's warmth. Content smile was playing on his lips as she leaned closer to his side, squeezing his hand resting in his lap rather than kissing him. She was sure her red lipstick would not look good on his cheek or lips.