This is the second story in the Lucy Story Arc. It stands alone but is better when read with Chance of Rain.


Redemption

He was late. Really late. She’s going to be furious with me. Well, maybe not. It is job related, after all. The man rushed up the stairs, glancing at his chrono, knowing it said the same thing as before. Late.

Knocking on the door, he heard barking and tapped his leg nervously. Mountains don’t scare me but this woman does. Maybe it’s because she reminds me of…. His thought was cut off as the door opened revealing a blonde headed woman.

“Sue.”

“Hi, Bert. Come on in.” Smiling, she stepped back, allowing him to enter and proceed her to the living room.

He licked his lips, another nervous gesture, and spoke, forgetting whom he was talking to. “Is Lucy back yet? I mean, I got here as soon as I could get away and…” A tap on his shoulder had him spinning around in a hurry. “Sorry. You remind me so much of a friend, only he can hear and I just forgot.”

Sue smiled gently. “It’s okay. Relax. Lucy is at the mall. She decided to get a pair of gloves to go with her climbing outfit.”

Albert Pine paced the small room, his hand brushing over his closely shorn black hair. “She’s not mad?”

Tracking him, she frowned as he moved in and out of the light. Catching the word mad, she motioned for him to sit. “Mad?” At his nod, she shook her head. “Lucy understands that the Bureau has odd hours. And like us, White Collar moves when they have the info they need to catch the bad guys.”

An uncomfortable silence fell between them. Albert sat quietly, watching the blonde woman. She looks so much like him; it is uncanny.

Sue sat just as quietly, praying for guidance. Father? What should I say or do? She felt a calm settle over her and gave a satisfied smile to herself. Levi nudged her hand and she played with his fur, scratching his ears till he moaned with joy.


At length, Bert cleared his throat, alerting Levi who looked his direction. Sue followed suite.

“Did you say something?” Hazel eyes twinkled merrily.

He smiled in return. “Actually, I just cleared my throat.”

“Oh, I'm sorry. Would you like something to drink? Water, juice, tea?”

Light green eyes grew serious. “May I ask you a question instead?”

OK came her reply. “I’ll do my best to answer it.”

“Am I pushing too hard?” He sat stone still, watching her every breath.

Sue tilted her head to the side, thinking of all the times she and Lucy had talked about her beau and how excited she was that she had finally found a Mister Right that loved her for all her quirks. The handsome man before her was a study in contrasts. Caramel skin, light green eyes and closely cropped black hair, much like D’s, he was medium tall, not quiet slender with firmly muscled arms, attesting to his passion for climbing. She knew from overseeing random ‘conversation’ that he had a good reputation among his peers in the accounting sector. He seemed to balance out her somewhat impetuous roommate with his solid presence.

She’s looking right through me, he thought. I wonder…

The sound of a key in the lock brought him to his feet, with Sue watching. Lucy came in holding several bags and balancing a box on top of one hand. Albert was right there, helping, to the dark skinned woman’s great surprise.

“Albert! When did you get here? Did you guys catch him? I bought you something. Can you stay for dinner? Hi, Sue,” all came out in the same breath.

In a flash, he saw that, like with himself, forgiveness was in the heart and redemption only a step away from being there. He pulled Lucy close and cut off her babbling with a gentle kiss. Separating only barely, he whispered, “Sorry, I’m late.”

Lucy grinned and fluttered her eyelashes in a playful manner. “If this is the answer to being late, let me leave and come back again.”

There’s your answer, Bert. Taking her cue, Sue gathered her coat and Levi, making herself scarce. She and the golden piled into her car. Looking up at the window, she thought, One day, Father, one day…

The End

***

This Arc continues in Spring Cleaning.

Fantastic. I love how he's as nervous as she is about this whole relationship. That means they're perfect for each other.

And if I were greeted that way anytime I was late, I think I'd be late all the time. But then again, if I had a good man like that, why would I want to leave in the first place?

Can't wait for the next one. I'll be watching for it!

Never doubt him again Luce. You two are really made for each other

can't wait for the next one Trece

What does he wonder??

Who does Sue remind him of?

This is all just fabulous! I love what you're doing with this!!

I like Albert!! I think he's perfect for Lucy!!!

Can't wait for the next installment!! Still a lot of questions!!!

Joy

I love this Albert guy - I really do think he makes for a great match for Lucy! And I hope he realizes he got his answer.

He could have been thinking about one of Sue's brother. "She's much like him..." -visually and spiritually? It is possible, I think.

I think Luce and this Albert make a lovely couple. An insight into their date, perhaps, Trece? And who does Sue look like?

Just caught up with this and I really like what you're doing with all 4 themes. Bit nervous about ending with broken wings though ...

Look forward to Spring Cleaning.

Great continuation... I am glad, Luce isn't scare yet... they seem happy!


We are waiting for more!!!


Restie

I guess Lucy gave him a surprise by not being mad at him, imdeed, it's the answer he needed...

Okie has summoned it all up for em as well, if i had such a wonderful man then why would i dare go anywhere else....



Trece this is superb looking forward to part three

Well Bert's not going to make me laugh -- but wasn't that the name of the chalk aritst/painter in Mary Poppins? I don't know why I think of MP when I read your stuff...it's rather unsettling waiting for everyone to have a tea part on the ceiling.

Okay -- so who does Sue remind him of?
What's he wondering about?
And where is Sue going?

That's a lot to answer in only two more stories...maybe you better make your arc into a circle!

kav

I was thinking the same thing.

Bert and Lucy seem perfect together, but I can't help but wonder what exactly will be tossed out during Spring Cleaning?

I am loving this! What a guy. What a relationship. What a writer!!!

Jill

Another great story! Great development of Albert! Thanks again for sharing!

Great Job!!! I really love this story.....and to what everyone else said.....