Section I, Next Section
Part 1
Elizabeth Bennett sighed as she heard Emma Woodhouse's rather loud whisper from the computer next to her.
"No Emma, he hasn't arrived yet. But you can be sure when he gets here, we'll all see him," she replied, sighing as her sarcasm was lost on the blonde woman sitting next to her. Emma was a truly nice person and a good friend, but there were times she could try one's patience.
"I hear he's got the most imposing demeanor and terrifies all those he's worked with, you think he'll be like that with us Lizzy?" Emma asked as she typed up the story she was working on.
"Well, I guess we'll find out when he gets here," Lizzy replied with a sigh, staring at the door quickly before turning back to her computer. "In the meantime, how are you coming with that story on the kid's fair?"
Emma sighed as she turned to look at her friend.
"I've got most of it written, but I can't figure out how to end it. I need something with a bite, but I just can't come up with the words," she sighed as she chewed on her pen.
Lizzy laughed as she turned back to her computer.
"You'll figure something out, you always do. That's why you're my favorite reporter," she replied, smiling at Emma before turning back to her computer.
"Hey Lizzy! We got a shooting down on 4th street. Sounds like the victim has several chest wounds, probably gang related."
Lizzy sighed and rubbed her forehead as she heard Charles's call from the assignment desk. Shootings might be a common thing in Longbourne, and all too common to cover, but they still made her stomach turn.
But she didn't have the liberty to feel at the moment. She had to think fast. After all it was her job as the Executive Producer of WDEB.
"Okay, Emma," she began, turning to the blonde who was already grabbing her purse and coat.
"Got it Liz, we'll see what's up, check it out and if it's big, what do you want?" she asked, already in reporter mode. It was one of the things that impressed Lizzy the most about Emma, when it was time to work, the girl threw herself into it with a seriousness that couldn't be faulted.
"If it's gang related, and the victim is in critical, we'll lead with it at 4, 5 and 6. Just give me a live picture with the basics, an interview if you can get it for 4 and we'll deal with the other shows as they come," Lizzy called to her disappearing friend.
"Got it, I'll grab Rich and we're outta here," Emma called back, giving Lizzy a jaunty salute.
Lizzy smiled as she watched Emma depart, then sighed and turned back to her computer.
"Okay Charlotte, Bill, we've got some kind of shooting. If it's big, lead with it. Emma's on her way," she called to the other producers who nodded and began to type frantically.
"Lizzy, I've got a condition on our victim," Charles called again as she made her way towards the assignment desk.
"How is he, or she?" she asked as she reached him.
"He is in critical. Sounds like he was shot several times from the ambulance dispatcher. It doesn't look good," he replied with a grimace.
Lizzy rubbed her forehead, wishing for once in her life she could have a nice, non-eventful Friday.
"Okay, Emma and Rich are headed down there, they'll probably go live in each show. Call the watch commander and see if you can get any information so we can tease it," she replied in a tired voice as Charles nodded.
"Consider it done, you okay Liz?" he asked, concern in his voice as he noted her expression.
Lizzy sighed and forced a smile.
"Just tired Charles, as Jane would tell you, I always look tired when I get stressed out," she offered as the man behind the desk laughed.
"Your sister doesn't usually tell me things that mundane about you," Charles offered with a teasing smile as Lizzy blushed.
"I really don't want to know what you guys talk about when you talk about me," she muttered, wondering what had ever possessed her to introduce her co-worker to her sister.
Probably the fact that they were so perfectly right for each other it was almost sickening.
Lizzy sighed as she made her way back to her desk, contemplating the fact that Jane and Charles were extremely happy and most probably on their way to the alter. She knew her sister was hoping for a proposal within the next few weeks, and from what she'd been able to glean from Charles, that was a definite possibility.
At least one of her sisters was happy with her love life.
She sighed as she thought about her three younger sisters. Mary and Kitty were happily involved in college life, both with boyfriends or dates galore, but as far from getting serious as two college age women could be.
Lydia, her youngest sister however had decided to forgo college and try an acting career. So far, she hadn't had much success, but that wasn't daunting her. She was living in New York City in a small loft, waiting tables as she waited for her big break.
Lizzy only hoped some of the flightiness that had always marked her sister was wearing off as she learned not everything in life came easily.
"Liz, I need those graphics, you gonna get them to me any time soon?"
Lizzy came back to herself and smiled at the young man standing next to her.
"Sure Chris, I just printed them over there, I think they're pretty self-explanatory," she replied, smiling as he bounded over to the computer, exchanging greetings with Charles as he went.
"Liz, I need your help here, how should I tease this power plant story? It's soooo boring."
Lizzy turned to smile at Charlotte, another of her friends and fellow producers.
"I know, but there's gotta be something teaseable in there, maybe the whole 'lights out' scenario," she replied, turning her attention back to her work and pushing thoughts of her family out of her mind.
*************
A half an hour later, the 4pm news was airing, Emma luckily having made her spot and scored an interview with the detective on the scene. Feeling rather proud of herself for getting things organized so quickly, Lizzy was humming to herself as she prepared her own show. She was still humming as the phone rang.
"Liz Bennett, WDEB," she answered offhandedly as she tried to finish the sentence she'd started.
"Liz, how in the world did Emma get there so fast? And get that interview with Slater?"
Lizzy smiled at the voice of her best friend George Knightly, captain of the local police force.
"What can I say George? Charles has the gift. He heard the call, we sent Emma, and well, you know Emma, she somehow always manages to get people to talk to her," she finished with a smile as she heard her friend sigh.
"Yeah, I know Emma and propensity to get people talking," he muttered under his breath.
Lizzy smiled to herself.
She knew her friend had a long standing crush on Emma, but unfortunately, despite all her matchmaking attempts, Emma was just not ready to see what was right in front of her. She and George were great friends, but she just couldn't see he wanted more. It frustrated Lizzy to no end, though she was one to talk.
"Well, remember to tell Detective Slater thanks from me for talking to Emma. You know I appreciate it when you boys in blue work with us instead of against us," she replied as George burst into laughter.
"Oh Lizzy, only for you would we do that," he replied in his usual teasing voice.
Lizzy laughed as she replied.
"Well, that brings up some interesting possibilities, although not many of them would be legal, or even proper between a TV producer and the chief of police," she offered in a teasing voice.
Any reply George might have made was cut off by the cough behind her.
Feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, Lizzy turned in her chair to find herself staring at Ken Carter, their News Director, and the tall man next to him, who was giving her a disapproving look from a pair of deep, dark eyes.
"Liz, I want you to meet our new General Manager, Will Darcy. Will, this is Elizabeth Bennett, our 6pm and Executive Producer," Ken managed, giving her a pleading look.
Lizzy swallowed hard as she felt the dark gaze of Will Darcy nearly boring into her. It was making her very uncomfortable.
"Lizzy? Where'd you go?"
George's voice brought her back to the present and she quickly made some excuse and hung up the phone, promising to call and explain later. Then she turned back to the two men watching her and offered a hand to their new boss.
"Mr. Darcy, it's a pleasure to meet you," she managed, hoping he was enough of a gentleman not to mention what he might have overheard. Especially since it may have sounded like she was propositioning a police officer.
What a way to make a first impression.
"Ms. Bennett, I've heard interesting things about you," he replied in a deep voice that did something to her nerves she couldn't quite explain.
Ken smiled weakly as he began to chatter some introductory nonsense about what Mr. Darcy had done and how well known he was. Lizzy fought back her laughter as she realized this was exactly like a scene out of her favorite movie.
Talk about introducing people with 'thoughtful' details.
"Something amusing about my background Ms. Bennett?"
Lizzy came back to the present, aware she'd been smiling as she pictured them in a scene from the movie. She quickly realized he had no clue what was amusing her and managed to control her facial features.
"Not at all Mr. Darcy, it's a pleasure to meet you," she managed, choosing to ignore his comment in hopes he'd be a gentleman and let it go.
He simply stared hard at her for a moment, almost as if he were sizing her up. Then, with a curt nod he turned and headed back down the row of desks, followed by a nervous looking Ken.
Well.
Talk about arrogant and rude!
Not even a 'pleasure to meet you' or a 'good-bye.'
What kind of man was this Will Darcy?
Obviously not one she was inclined to make friends with.
Still feeling the sting of being looked at like she were beneath him, she turned her attention back to her show, determined to push the image of his dark eyes from her mind.
"Hey Lizzy, Emma's on the phone with her information for the 6," Charles called from the desk.
Sighing, she picked up her ringing phone and set about getting her show on the air.
************
"Here you go Mr. Darcy, I think you'll find everything you need, but if you need something, feel free to ask."
Will Darcy smiled at the middle-aged woman who opened the door to his new office and ushered him inside.
"Thanks Marie, I promise I'll call if I need you," he replied as she smiled and shut the door behind him.
Taking a deep breath, he moved over to the picture window that afforded him a beautiful view of downtown Longbourne.
It certainly was a different view than Chicago.
But a welcome one.
He sighed as he moved over to his chair and settled into it, looking around him curiously.
As he tried to absorb his surroundings, his mind flashed back to the young woman he'd met earlier in the newsroom.
Elizabeth Bennett.
He'd been surprised to see how young she was. The way everyone he'd met so far talked about her, he'd assumed she'd be a middle aged domineering female producer. A breed he was all too familiar with from his days in Chicago. So imagine his surprise to see her fresh face and those eyes, staring at him so intently as she sized him up.
Those dark eyes stuck in his mind for some reason.
Despite the fact he'd thought her quite strange. After all, he could have sworn she'd been propositioning what sounded like the chief of police. And the way she'd smiled when Ken was introducing them, then refused to tell him why in a rather rude and impudent way.
All together a strange contradicting mixture was Ms. Elizabeth Bennett.
But he would not have time to figure her out, even if he'd wanted to.
He'd taken this job with one goal in mind.
To revitalize and refresh the somewhat sagging station.
That was his first order of business.
Then, once it was up and running and number one in the market, he'd move on to the next station that needed help. It was just the way of things, and he had no desire to change them. He had plenty of money, having come from a wealthy family to start, but he'd earned his way up in the television world by reputation and a strong work ethic.
What Will Darcy set out to accomplish, he always did.
Sighing, he forced the thought of Ms. Elizabeth Bennett's eyes from his head as he settled down to work.
Part 2
"Oh Lizzy, you really didn't say that to George did you, with your new boss listening in?"
Jane's shocked words brought a wry smile to Lizzy's face as George burst into laughter next to her.
Jane, Charles, Emma, George and Lizzy had gone out to their favorite bar for drinks and dinner after the day and were now chatting about the day's events.
"Oh yes she did, and I can only imagine what he must have thought," her friend replied with a smile at his friend.
"That's our Lizzy, always speaking before she thinks," Charles teased unmercifully as Lizzy shot him a murderous glare.
"Well, all I can say is he was certainly one of the strangest people I've ever met. He barely said three words to me, and just sort of walked off when Ken had finished introducing us. Very un-gentleman like if you ask me," she muttered as she sipped her glass of wine.
"So you think he's really like all those rumors we've been hearing?" Emma asked curiously as she sipped her own mixed drink.
Lizzy sighed before replying.
"I don't really know Em. But I hate making snap judgments, even though I know I do," she managed, ignoring the snorts of laughter from Jane and George.
"Well, all I can say is luckily we won't have to see much of him, right? I mean, he's not going to be involved in the everyday business of the newsroom, right?" Charles asked curiously as Lizzy nodded.
"Being that he's the General Manager, I seriously doubt it. His focus is sales and the overall station. I bet he won't be bothering with us 'lowly' newsroom employees," she offered in a rather affronted voice.
"All the better for us Lizzy, so don't mope about it," Emma offered with a smile for her friend.
"I suppose you're right," Lizzy murmured, still unable to get the memory of his deep, dark eyes out of her head.
"So, changing the subject, Em, how did you get my detective to talk to you? You know he's usually reluctant to talk to the media in general," George asked as Emma laughed.
"Come on George, you know how. I simply fluttered my baby blue's at him and he was putty at my feet," she teased, missing the flash that shot through George's eyes at her words.
Lizzy however caught it and sighed to herself.
Emma was a dear, always willing to help someone else, willing to set everyone else in the world up, but she was just so blind to her own love life. And the fact that George was right here, ready and waiting.
"Yeah, well, he's happily married might I remind you," George muttered taking a long swig of beer and forcing his hands to relax. He smiled as Lizzy gently squeezed his arm in understanding.
"Oh George, I know that. Really, you take things to seriously, you really need to lighten up, get a woman to relax with. Hey, speaking of which, I bet Carrie would do the trick. Maybe I should introduce you two," Emma began, only to be cut off by George's slightly strained laughter.
"Thanks but no thanks Em, I think I'm quite capable of getting a woman on my own if I want one," he muttered, his hands clenching into fists again.
"Well, you should start looking. You're an attractive, single, well off male, I'm sure there are plenty of attractive young women who would be interested," Emma continued, oblivious to the tension around the table.
"Well, I think George will find the right person at the right time Emma," Lizzy jumped in, determined to change the topic. "Meantime, Jane, tell me about your latest case, is your client really going to sue for 2 million?" she asked her sister, glad when Jane caught onto her tactic and began chatting about her law firm's latest client. She smiled at her friend when George squeezed her hand in thanks.
It was going to be a long night.
************
Several hours later, Lizzy found herself home in her apartment, settling down to watch the late news with a cup of tea, her dog Honey curled up next to her on the sofa.
"Well, looks like our gunshot victim didn't die after all girl," she mused as she watched her anchor recap the days stories. Honey, used to her mistresses ramblings, simply settled her nose against Lizzy's thigh and got comfortable.
Lizzy smiled as she petted her dog, glad to finally be able to relax after her long day. And she had the weekend ahead of her, to do whatever she wanted.
And that would NOT include thinking about the way Will Darcy's shirt had clung to his chest in a rather appealing way.
Or the way his eyes seemed to stare straight into her soul.
Dragging herself out of those thoughts, Lizzy was shocked to find herself having them at all.
"God Honey, I only just met the man and I don't really think I'm going to like him, yet I'm thinking about his chest," she muttered to herself in disbelief.
Sighing, she shook herself out of those thoughts and began flipping through the channels to find something interesting on late-night TV.
Squealing in delight, she landed on VH-1's "Top 40 Hair Band's" countdown. It was a little known fact that Elizabeth Bennett had a love of 80's music, especially the 'hair bands.' In fact, only George, Emma, Jane and Charles knew of it, and none of them shared her fondness for it.
Oh well, their loss.
She smiled as she began to hum along with Bon Jovi, amazed she remembered the words.
Two hours later she found herself laughing hysterically as she belted out the words to the number one hair band Poison's song "Talk Dirty to Me."
She was amazed she remembered all the words.
And how shocked would her friends and family be to hear her singing them with gusto.
Instead, all she found for an audience was Honey's somewhat rueful gaze.
"Sorry Honey, I know you're forced to put up with me, but hey, someone has to," she mused as she patted the dog's golden head. It was a good thing her dog couldn't talk. Although it might be interesting to hear what she had to say.
"You know something," she mused as she stretched and flipped off the TV, padding her way around the living room to check her doors and windows before heading to bed.
Honey simply followed her, a questioning look in her brown eyes.
Lizzy sighed as she ruffled Honey's fur.
"I think if I could find a man who enjoyed 80's hair bands and sang to his dog nightly, I'd be in heaven," she muttered as she threw off her robe and settled underneath the covers, Honey curling up at her feet.
"But, what are the chances of that happening in my lifetime?" she muttered as she drifted off to sleep, her dreams haunted by a pair of dark eyes that she couldn't seem to get out of her head, accompanied by the refrain from the Top Hair Band song of all time.
***********
Will Darcy sighed as he aimlessly flipped through the channels, wondering why there was never anything good on after midnight.
"Why is there never anything on but talk shows and Infomercials Wolf," he muttered to the huge dog stretched out next to him on the sofa. Unfortunately, Wolf couldn't reply, but simply woofed softly as he settled himself against his master's side. He was used to these nightly ramblings.
"I know, I'm sitting here talking to my dog at 12:30 in the morning, great," he muttered as he continued to flip channels.
He smiled as he landed on something that caught his attention.
"Now this is more like it," he muttered as he settled in and began tapping his fingers along with Def Leppard. Nothing like watching a good dose of 80's hair bands to get one in a better mood. After all, who would believe the all powerful Will Darcy enjoyed a good dose of heavy metal every now and then. In fact, if pressed, he'd admit to having a fondness for really bad hair bands from the 80's. Not that anyone but his sister Georgiana knew that however.
He smiled as he thought of his sister, happily finishing her senior year of college at Northwestern. He really should call her and tell her he'd gotten settled in. He knew she worried about him. After all, the two of them were all the other had, since their parents had died years ago.
It hadn't been easy, raising Georgiana on his own, but thanks to family friends and his determination, not to mention the family money, they had survived. And he couldn't be prouder of the woman she'd become.
He really missed her.
Maybe he'd call her tomorrow.
He sighed as he turned back to the TV and began to sing along with Skid Row. He couldn't believe he knew the words.
He wondered what Ms. Elizabeth Bennett would think if she could see him now.
He started at the thought, realizing the woman had been figuring much too prominently into his thoughts today.
It was those eyes.
They haunted him.
"Well, she'd certainly think wonderfully of me if she could see me talking to you and singing along with Sebastian Bach to "18 and Life," he muttered as Wolf woofed in reply.
Why did he care what she thought of him?
Besides, he hadn't been that impressed with her at all.
Except for those eyes.
The thought disturbed him to no end.
Forcing his attention back to the TV he managed to immerse himself in the music, finding himself several hours later singing along to "Talk Dirty To Me" and hoping Wolf wasn't too horrified by his rather passable but nowhere near ready for public singing voice.
With a sigh, he flipped off the TV as the show ended and walked around the living room, making sure the doors and windows were locked.
"Come on Wolf, let's get some sleep. I've got a lot to do this weekend if I'm going to be ready for Monday," he called to his dog, who padded up the stairs behind him.
As he prepared for bed, he found himself wondering if he'd ever find the right woman to settle down with, to come home to at night. He sighed as he noted Wolf's expression as the dog waited for him to finish.
"I know boy, but until I can find a woman who actually likes 80's hair bands and talks to her dog at night, well, we'll be sleeping alone," he mused with a laugh as he flipped off the bathroom light and headed for bed, Wolf settling himself at the foot of the bed.
As he drifted off to sleep, he found himself unable to get Elizabeth Bennett's eyes from his head, or the chorus of the Top Hair Band song of all time.
Part 3
Lizzy sighed as she sipped her second cup of coffee for the morning. It was only 9am, but already it felt as if she'd been in the building for hours.
What a great start to a Monday.
"I really think we need to look into those allegations the Mayor made about shutting down that homeless shelter because of a disagreement with the owner," Charles stated, twirling his pen as he ran down the list of story ideas for the day.
"I agree, but you know he won't talk. Every time this thing comes up, he's always 'unavailable for comment,'" Emma replied, sighing as she shuffled the newspaper in front of her.
"Well, it's worth a try I guess. But we'd better come up with a backup plan," Lizzy managed as she listened to the other reporters throw out story ideas one after the other.
"I still like that school for the deaf. It's new, it's got kids, it's a community project, guaranteed viewers," Chris, another reporter chimed in, getting nods from those around the table.
"Sounds good to me, why don't you make those calls and see what you can set up," Lizzy called as she jotted the idea down on her notepad and looked around the room at the remaining reporters. "Okay guys, let's get some story ideas and get you out of here," she said with a smile, earning groans and laughter from those around her.
"What's left Lizzy? Chris is doing the deaf school, Carol's on the increase in accidents because of cell phone use while driving, I suppose Emma could try the mayor, although I know she won't get him," Charles began, trailing off as the door opened and Will Darcy entered the room.
Lizzy watched in silence as he proceeded to help himself to a cup of coffee, then settle himself down at the table, sending a smile towards those around it.
"Pardon the interruption. For those of you I haven't met, I'm Will Darcy, the new General Manager," he began, seeming oblivious to the glare Lizzy shot his way at his abrupt entrance.
"Mr. Darcy, what a surprise to see you at our morning meeting, to what do we owe this great honor?" Lizzy managed, surprised to hear the sarcasm in her voice. She noted the surprised look on Charles's face as well at her tone.
Will simply stared at her, a slight smile on his expressionless face.
"I simply thought it might be best for me to see how the newsroom is being run. After all, part of my job is to see how we can make things better and more efficient, and make our news programs the top rated ones in the market. What better place to start than the morning meeting?" he replied in an even tone, seeming oblivious to the ire his words raised in Lizzy's temper.
She forced her temper down, realizing he did have a point. She just didn't like the feeling he was usurping or questioning her leadership of the newsroom. Forcing herself to remain calm she tried for a more neutral tone.
"Mr. Darcy," she began, only to be cut off by his hand.
"Call me Will, we're a team here and I think we should all be on a first name basis," he replied with a small smile, sensing her discomfort at the interruption.
Lizzy took a deep breath, struggling to reign in her somewhat infamous temper.
"Well then Will," she replied stressing his name but glad to hear her voice sounded normal, "as you can see, we're still trying to come up with some stories for the day, I don't suppose you have any suggestions?" she finished, feeling triumphant that she'd one-upped him. After all, he was in the business side of things, and wouldn't have the faintest clue about what was going on in the town around him.
"Actually, I do Elizabeth," Will began, smiling to himself as he noted those eyes he couldn't get out of his head had turned a dark, fiery brown at his words. Obviously she hadn't expected him to call her bluff.
"Really? Pray tell what are they?" she managed, unable to keep the hostility out of her voice this time.
Lizzy knew Charles and Emma were giving her warning looks, not to mention the surprised looks on the faces of the other reporters and photographers in the room. Her temper might be legendary, but she'd never actually lost it completely in the newsroom.
At least not in front of her boss.
Will however chose to ignore her hostility and focused his attention on the others around the room as he continued, almost as if her words had never been spoken.
"I know I haven't been in town long, but I have noticed that there seems to be a lot of problems with keeping teachers in local schools. I know they're fighting for salary increases and all, and coming from Chicago, I can tell you teachers in Illinois make a lot more than they do here. I know we've probably done stories on the whys and wherefores of the matter, but what about taking it from the perspective of a student?" he began, smiling to himself as he saw several reporters perk up. He chose to avoid looking Lizzy's way, sure she'd have something to say he did not want to hear.
"I see what you're getting at, it's a fresh take on an old story. I bet I could get a kid to let me follow him around, see how he interacts with teachers, then find out how he'd feel if they left. That's actually got the possibility to be a gut-wrenching story," Emma began excitedly, already jotting down notes as her mind took off with ideas.
Lizzy simply sat in silence, forcing her temper down.
It really was a good idea.
A very good, fresh, new idea in fact.
So why the hell was she ready to explode at the thought that Will Darcy had brought it up?
"Lizzy? What do you think?"
She came back to herself, noting all eyes in the room were on her, including the amused ones of Will Darcy. She took a deep breath before replying.
"I think it could work, if you get a student early on," she managed, getting a dazzling smile from Emma as her friend jumped up and bounced from the room, talking excitedly with her photographer about ideas for the piece.
"You know, I bet we could take a different tactic on the homeless story as well," another reporter piped up, jotting down ideas as he spoke out loud. "What if we followed a homeless person around all day, see how they live, what they go through, then tackle how the shelter helps them and what it will mean if it shuts down?"
The room began to buzz as the various reporters and photographers began chatting about ideas, moving from the room to make calls, laughing excitedly as they went.
Lizzy simply sat in shock, wondering what had just happened.
"Well, that about does it, I'll just go make my beat calls and let you know if I come up with anything," Charles managed, jumping from his seat and sending Lizzy a small smile before disappearing out the door.
"Right," Lizzy muttered under her breath, still trying to figure out what had gotten into her staff, and extremely aware that she and Will were now the only two people left in the room.
"Well, if you're satisfied with the morning meeting, I'd better get started planning my show," she began, gathering her notes and beginning to rise.
"Actually, I'd like to talk to you, if you have a moment Elizabeth," he answered, remaining where he was.
Lizzy felt her breath catch at the way he used her full name.
She rather thought she shouldn't like the way it sounded falling from his lips.
"If we're going to be on a first name basis, I prefer you call me Lizzy, everyone does," she managed, not liking the way his eyes seemed to be laughing at her.
"Lizzy it is then, although Elizabeth seems to suit you just as well," he murmured, almost as an aside.
Lizzy pushed down the strange feelings his words sent through her system.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about," she asked, tapping her fingers on the table as she waited for him to speak, hoping this discussion would end soon.
She refused to acknowledge the flutter in her stomach as he turned those eyes she'd been unable to get out of her head her way.
"I just wanted to make sure we're on the same path here," he began, holding back his amusement at the way she tensed in her seat.
"And what would that 'path' be Will?" she asked, again feeling her temper rise.
"To bring this newsroom to it's peak potential, and your newscasts to number one in the market. That of course means being open to fresh ideas and trying new things, am I right?" he asked, sensing she could see his point, but wasn't happy about it.
Lizzy was feeling more and more like a scolded child.
She didn't like it.
So she upped her defenses and turned on a sickeningly sweet smile as she answered.
"Yes, you do have a point. I'm sure you're going to come to it, sometime before we're old and gray," she managed, a bit surprised at the end of her sentence, but anxious to see how he responded.
Will fought back a laugh.
Despite his initial dislike of her, he had to admit, she didn't lie down and let herself be walked over, or try to 'appease' the management. It was a refreshing change from the females he was used to dealing with in this business.
"My point is simply that I think if we work together, we can make all the shows number one in their time slots, and instill a sense of pride and achievement in the newsroom," he finished, watching her eyes spark, wondering what she would say next. He was finding himself rather amused at her changing expressions.
Lizzy, while able to see some sense in what he'd said, was offended at how he'd said it.
"You don't think we have 'pride' in this newsroom?" she managed, telling herself to be careful of her words. Despite her dislike of him, it would not do to lose her job over it.
"I think the newsroom works well, but does not take a lot of pride in its work. I think by broadening and expanding with new ideas, we could really find our sense of community pride," he replied, fascinated by the sparks dancing in her now stormy eyes.
Lizzy was trying to shove down the outrage coursing through her system.
"You think we don't take pride in our work?" she knew her voice was rising, but she was unable to control it, knowing she was on the verge of losing her temper, but unable to stop. "I'll have you know this newsroom has done some incredible things in the past few months, and I can assure you we have taken plenty of pride in our efforts, despite what you seem to be implying Mr. Darcy!" she finished, knowing her face was red, but her temper was aroused.
Most people knew better than to mess with Elizabeth Bennett when her temper flared.
Will Darcy was obviously not one of them.
"I never said the newsroom did not have individual pride, I just think we could really develop a sense of community pride if we worked at it," he managed, feeling his own temper aroused by the incredulous stare she was giving him.
"Well it certainly didn't sound that way," she managed, clenching her hands to her sides and restraining from saying exactly what she wanted to.
Will forced his own frustration down, realizing that they had to work together to accomplish his goals. It would certainly be a challenge to spar with this strong-headed woman with the 'fine' eyes that wouldn't leave him alone. While her disagreeable nature stirred his own ire, he had to admit, his curiosity was aroused by the fact that she didn't back down from him. It was a new experience for Will Darcy, and despite his unease at dealing with it, he had to admit, there was something appealing about it.
He was suddenly looking forward to the prospect of locking horns with Ms. Elizabeth 'call me Lizzy' Bennett.
"Lizzy," he began, noting the slight softening of her eyes at the use of her nickname, "I'd really like to work with you, instead of against you on this. Especially since I know how respected and well thought of you are by all those who work with you," he managed, watching in amusement as she struggled to come to grips with his words.
Lizzy wondered if she'd entered the twilight zone.
Had she heard him right?
Had he just somehow insulted and praised her in the same sentence?
Will smiled as he rose from his seat, figuring he'd gotten in the last world, and wanting to leave a speechless Elizabeth Bennett in the process.
"We can talk more later, until then, have a good morning," he replied, closing the door behind him and smiling at the dumbfounded look on his producer's face.
It was going to be a good day.
************
After he left, Lizzy continued to sit there in silence, trying to puzzle out her conflicting emotions at what had happened this morning.
Will Darcy had managed to arouse her temper like no one had in a long time. He'd insulted her and made her feel as if she were not doing her job, not instilling pride in her newsroom.
Then he'd complemented her in the same breath.
Talk about contradictions!
And the fact that he had the nerve to walk out!
"Lizzy? You okay?"
Charles's voice brought her out of her thoughts as she turned and forced a smile for her friend.
"Fine, just thinking. I'll be right out," she managed, ignoring the concerned expression on his face.
She'd let herself be rattled by Will Darcy, in front of her staff.
That would not, could not happen again.
No matter how close to the truth he was.
Shaking off that traitorous thought, she gathered her papers and headed for her computer, determined to produce the best darn show Will Darcy had ever seen.
Mind set, she began to work.
Part 4
Later that afternoon found a quieter than usual Elizabeth Bennett struggling to finish her 6pm show.
Despite the fact that they had several breaking stories and one exclusive 'scoop,' she found herself not as excited as she usually was about spot news.
And she knew it was because of her 'conversation' with Will earlier that morning.
As the hours passed, Lizzy began to question how she'd handled the situation. Yes she had a temper and yes, she usually could control it, but today she'd let it get the best of her. In front of her co-workers and her new boss.
Really un-professional behavior.
She was extremely ashamed at her reaction now that she'd had time to cool down.
But he'd really, really annoyed her, walking in as if he owned the place.
But that was no excuse for how she'd behaved.
She was fair enough to admit that.
Especially because, even if she only admitted it to herself, he had done nothing wrong.
God, what must he think of her?
But then, why did she care?
Despite the fact he was her boss and could fire her at any given moment.
Or the fact his dark eyes kept appearing in her mind at the most inopportune moments.
Why did he have this effect on her?
The ringing phone brought her out of her unsettling thoughts, and she sighed as she picked it up.
"Liz Bennett, WDEB news."
"Lizzy, tell me you aren't busy tonight, please?"
Jane's pleading voice immediately put her on alert.
Jane only used that tone when she was about to try and convince her to do something she didn't want to do.
"Why do you ask?" she managed, rubbing her forehead to ease the slow building ache behind her eyes.
"Well, there's a potential new lawyer the firm is looking at hiring, and they want me to take him to an informal, 'thanks for taking time to come interview with us' dinner. He's already done the interviews with my partners, and they figured he deserved a nice dinner while they're deciding his fate. Since he'd be working closely with me, they asked if Charles and I would take him out. I figured if you came along, it might seem more relaxed," her sister trailed off, a pleading note in her voice.
Lizzy sighed.
"Jane, you're conducting a casual job interview and you want me to come along? What for? I mean, what purpose would it serve?" she asked, getting a sigh in reply.
"For one, I think it would make Jeff feel more comfortable, two, he's really cute, and three, it would get you away from the station and out on a real date. How long has it been since your last date Lizzy?"
Lizzy sighed, as she always did when her sister got into her matchmaking mode. Jane was always trying to fix her up, but she just couldn't seem to work up any interest in the men her sister found.
Most were too much like Charles, and despite the fact he was one of her good friends, Lizzy knew she couldn't fall for someone like her friend. He was definitely more Jane's type.
"Please Lizzy, it might be fun, and it's a free dinner, the company's paying for it," Jane wheedled as Lizzy sighed in defeat.
Maybe trying to be social might help her feel better after the day.
A free dinner couldn't hurt either.
"Okay, fine. Where and when?" she replied, holding the phone away from her ear as Jane excitedly rattled off details. When her sister had finally quieted, Lizzy firmed up their plans and said good-bye.
"So she talked you into dinner with "Jeff"?"
Lizzy sighed as she smiled wryly at Charles, who had come up behind her in time to overhear the end of the conversation.
"You knew she would. I just hope this Jeff character has some personality. Not like the last guy you two fixed me up with," she muttered, ignoring Charles's laughter.
"Jane says he seems interesting, and you never know Lizzy, it could be fate," Charles replied with a wink as he headed back towards the desk.
Fate.
Right.
Fate certainly didn't seem to be on her side lately.
With a sigh, she forced herself to concentrate on her show, pushing all thoughts of the upcoming evening aside.
She'd worry about Jeff and dinner when the time came.
As she immersed herself in writing her headlines, she couldn't help but wonder if this Jeff would have as penetrating a pair of eyes as Will Darcy.
********
Four hours later found Jane, Charles, Lizzy and Jeff Wickham having a rather enjoyable dinner at one of Longbourne's finer restaurants.
Lizzy was surprised to find Jeff an interesting person, and especially easy to talk to. He wasn't bad to look at either. He was tall with an athletic build, green eyes and a nice smile. He also seemed quite taken with her, which was another point in his favor.
However, despite the fact they'd seemed to hit it off well, and had discovered they had several things in common, there was something about him that disturbed her. She couldn't say what it was, but maybe it had something to do with the way his eyes seemed to shift from her gaze when she talked to him.
Almost as if he had something to hide or was uncomfortable at being looked at.
Of course, Lizzy had been accused of being too suspicious at times, but she'd always found her intuition served her well.
Except where Will Darcy was concerned.
She scolded herself for thinking of her boss as she tried to focus on whatever story Jeff was telling about a case he'd tried in Atlanta. He really was a nice, smart, attractive man, who seemed interested in her, as well as the job at Jane's firm.
And it had been awhile since Elizabeth Bennett been on the receiving end of an attractive male's intense stare and dazzling smile.
"So Lizzy, Jane tells me you and Charles work for one of the local TV stations here, that must be pretty exciting," Jeff said with a smile as he sipped his wine.
Lizzy smiled as she shot Jane an affectionate glance.
"Yes, we both work for WDEB, but it's really not as glamorous as you might think. I produce the 6pm news and Charles here runs the desk, very well if I do say so myself," she replied as Charles pretended to look modest.
"Lizzy's pretty much the backbone of the station. She gets things done, and gets everyone to agree to get it done, even when they don't want to, although she has been known to lose her temper on occasion," he trailed off with an evil smile as Jane frowned.
"Oh Lizzy, you didn't get into it with your new boss, not on his first day?" her sister asked, concern in her voice as Lizzy sighed and looked down at her plate.
"I'm afraid I did Jane," she replied wryly, sipping her wine before continuing. "I totally lost it when he came into the morning meeting, unannounced might I add, and I'll admit, I was rather rude," she stopped as Charles snorted in disbelief, "okay, I was a jerk to him. I admit it, but only to you guys. I don't know, there's just something about Will Darcy that sets me off! And we've only been working together for one day!" she finished on a huff, turning to smile wryly at Jeff, only to notice the shuttered expression on his face.
"Jeff, are you okay?" Lizzy asked, noting he looked pale.
Jeff shook himself out of his stupor, his smile quickly returning as he replied.
"I'm fine, really. Sounds like it was a rough day at work, but it's over now, and it's time to relax," he finished lamely, breathing a sigh of relief as he noted the topic change seemed to have been picked up as Jane and Lizzy began to argue about how little Lizzy relaxed.
He took a long sip of his wine as he puzzled over the information Ms. Elizabeth Bennett had just given him.
Will Darcy was in town.
He'd have to be careful.
But he could manage it.
After all, it seemed he might have an ally in Lizzy Bennett.
Smiling as he looked into her eyes, he began to formulate a plan.
Part 5
Lizzy sighed as she sipped her third cup of coffee for the morning and tried to keep her eyes open as Emma and Chris debated angles of the stories they wanted to work on for the day.
She was extremely tired this morning, her own fault of course, for staying up with Honey and watching Bon Jovi's "Behind the Music" special until 2am. She couldn't help it. She'd been wired with the events of the day and still trying to puzzle out the strange man that was Jeff Wickham when she'd gotten home, and even a long walk with Honey hadn't made her tired.
So she'd stayed awake, singing to Honey and laughing as she watched Bon Jovi progress through the 80's, the 90's and the present day. She'd also promised herself she'd go buy their greatest hits CD, since she'd forgotten how much she enjoyed most of the songs they'd done.
She'd finally fallen asleep on the sofa, awakening three hours later and dragging herself to bed for at least three more hours of sleep before facing the day.
So it was a real effort to appear cheerful and awake this morning, but she was going to give it her best shot.
She was also going to make sure her performance of yesterday was not repeated. No matter how much Will irked her, she was going to be professional about it.
Surprisingly, she'd found it easier this morning to greet him cordially as he had entered the room and settled himself down in the seat next to her, smiling a good morning to her.
He really did have a nice smile.
And very nice eyes.
She sighed as she rubbed her eyes and sipped her coffee.
She must be really, really tired to actually be thinking, well, whatever it was she was thinking about Will.
"Late night Lizzy?" Will asked quietly as he noted the tired slump of her shoulders.
Surprisingly, Lizzy found it easier than she'd expected to reply.
"You could say that. I had a late dinner with my sister and a few friends, and by the time I got home, I wasn't tired, so Honey, my dog, and I walked for a while, then I fell asleep watching TV," she stated wryly, realizing how boring her life sounded at that moment.
Will found himself smiling as he watched her rub her eyes again.
She was extremely cute when she looked rumpled.
Even tired, her eyes seemed to fascinate him.
He jerked himself back to reality as he realized what he'd been thinking.
He must have been tired as well to be thinking, well, whatever it was he was thinking about Lizzy.
"I can understand, I couldn't sleep myself last night," he replied, not sure why he was telling her this, but feeling better when she smiled sympathetically at him.
"All I can say is I've become a great aficionado of nighttime TV, and VH-1 countdowns," she muttered the last phrase under her breath, missing the strange look Will sent her way.
He opened his mouth to ask her what she'd meant by "VH-1 countdowns," but was stopped by Emma's excited voice.
"I've got it Lizzy! I'm going to track down someone who uses marijuana for medical reasons and get his or her opinion on the new laws against its medical use," she said excitedly as Lizzy nodded in reply.
"It's a good angle Em, and even though I know you'll do it, make sure you get both sides. It's such a controversial issue you know we'll hear about it if we're not fair," she replied as Emma saluted and jumped from her chair.
"Consider it done boss, I'll let you know how it goes," she called as she disappeared from the room.
Lizzy sighed at her friend's seemingly boundless energy as she scribbled several notes on her pad.
"Okay, I'll figure out which photographer is going with which reporter, and don't forget you've got that 10:30 satellite interview, I can't believe you haven't mentioned it so far today," Charles called in a teasing voice as he too headed from the room.
"Darn! I almost forgot, how could I forget?" Lizzy muttered to herself, a smile bursting across her face as she rose, noting Will rose with her.
"Who are you interviewing that's got you looking so happy?" Will asked, curious at her sudden change of mood.
"Actually, it's one of those promotional interviews for the upcoming Aerosmith concert," she began, not realizing how her voice had gotten more enthusiastic and her eyes lit up as she expounded. "I'm actually going to talk with Steven Tyler and Joe Perry if I get lucky. It should be great, I've always wanted to ask him about his lips and if they're really genetic," she mused, gasping as she suddenly realized what she'd said, and to whom.
Will couldn't hold back his laughter as he watched her spontaneous confession and immediate embarrassment.
She was a remarkably attractive woman when she was flustered.
And smiling.
It surprised him that he suddenly found himself wanting to see that smile more often.
Aimed at him.
"What's so funny? I'll have you know I'm a devoted Aerosmith fan, though my family can't understand why," she huffed, unable to keep a straight face, finding his laughter was contagious. She supposed it was rather funny, a woman of her age getting excited about a rock group that was older than she was.
Will managed to control his laughter long enough to reply.
"Not many people know this, but I'm a fan of Aerosmith as well. And I'd be interested to know what he says about his lips, although I think Liv Tyler proves it's genetic," he quipped lightly, feeling his heart nearly stop as Lizzy sent him another genuine smile.
"I promise to ask him then, the answer should be interesting. Although I have to admit, I can't see you as an Aerosmith fan," she replied, still laughing with him as they left the conference room.
"Hey, it might not look like it, but I have an very large appreciation for good classic rock," he replied lightly, smiling at the surprised look that appeared in her eyes.
It was nice to know he could surprise her into silence.
Well, that was something she hadn't expected.
Lizzy mused over the fact that it seemed she and Will had something in common.
Something that many people would consider strange.
Even, she was sure, Steven Tyler if she asked him the question.
It was a strange revelation to know Will liked something she did, something not many people would suspect about either of them.
She wasn't sure she liked the way that made her feel.
She sighed, forcing herself to push down her suddenly conflicting emotions as she headed for her desk, noting Will had stopped to talk to Charles about something.
She was so involved in trying to figure out what she was feeling about her new knowledge about Will, that she didn't notice the small group of women who had gathered around her desk.
"Lizzy, Lizzy get over here and see what someone sent you!"
Emma's squeal captured her attention as she curiously approached her desk, drawing in a sharp breath at the dozen pink roses that sat in a vase next to her computer.
"Oh come on, I can't wait, open the card, who are they from? Are you dating someone you haven't told me about?"
Lizzy tuned out Emma's questions as she reached for the card, surprised beyond words.
It had been a long time since she'd received flowers.
Not that pink roses were her favorite, she preferred lilies and lilacs to tell the truth, but it was the thought that counted.
Reaching for the card, tuning out the interested parties around her, she opened it and read the neatly printed message.
Lizzy,
Dinner was wonderful. Like to do it again if you're okay with that. Will call you later.
Jeff Wickham
Jeff had sent her roses?
After one dinner, that wasn't even a date, but a casual job interview?
What was wrong with this picture?
"Well, who are they from, I'm dying here Lizzy," Emma asked impatiently as she stared at her friend.
"I bet Jeff Wickham could tell you, right Lizzy?" Charles called from the desk, earning a hard stare from her in reply.
"Jeff Wickham? Who's this Jeff and why haven't I heard about him before? Where'd you meet him?"
Lizzy tried to tune out the barrage of questions suddenly being thrown at her, not liking being the topic of gossip for the morning.
She sighed as she tried to formulate an answer.
In the process, she found herself looking over to where Will was standing, a closed expression on his face.
She focused her attention on him in surprise, wondering why he suddenly looked like he'd heard something distasteful.
Funny, but hadn't Jeff reacted the same way last night after her comment about working with Will?
Or were her eyes playing tricks on her?
She caught her breath as she saw his eyes suddenly clear as he slowly made his way towards the crowd around her.
"Lizzy? Come on, spill," Emma cried as she leaned over to smell the flowers.
Lizzy jumped, suddenly aware of her surroundings as she quickly explained about meeting Jeff last night at dinner, and his reason for being in town.
"So you just had dinner with the guy, and he sends you flowers the next day? Must have been some dinner."
Lizzy turned as she heard Will's expressionless voice from behind her, feeling her ire rising again at his almost disbelieving words.
But as she looked at him, determined to say something about his comment, she thought she saw something flash through his eyes. What, she wasn't sure, but she thought it looked a lot like pain.
Pain?
She must really be tired this morning.
She suddenly realized he was waiting for an answer and she tried to gather her scattered wits about her before replying.
"I really don't know. I mean, he seemed nice and we had a nice dinner, but I really didn't think it merited flowers the next day," she managed, smiling and feeling a bit flattered that it had.
She missed the look that flashed through Will's eyes as he watched her.
"Just be careful."
Will's muttered words were so low she almost didn't catch them, but she did.
She looked at him in confusion, opening her mouth to ask what he meant, but was cut off by Charles.
"Lizzy, I've got a three alarm fire in a downtown apartment building, evacuations and possible kids trapped on the third floor!"
The words pushed all thoughts of flowers, Jeff and Will's strange words from her head as Lizzy jumped into the fray and began ordering people to the scene.
She never noticed when Will walked quietly from the room, hands clenched tightly into fists at his side.
********
Fifteen minutes later, when she'd gotten everyone out the door and the situation somewhat under control, Will's words came back to haunt her.
Why would he tell her to be careful?
What did he know that she didn't?
And why did she care so much?
"Lizzy, you okay?"
Charlotte's concerned voice floated to her from across the room, and she forced a smile in reply.
"Fine, just thinking about how I'm going to fit this fire in the 6, and breakout elements," she managed, pushing all thoughts but work out of her mind.
But she was going to have a talk with Will the next time she saw him.
She didn't like him warning her about things, especially men in her life, without telling her why.
She was a big girl after all, she could take care of herself, and had been doing it for years.
But he must have had some reason for saying the words, even if she hadn't been meant to hear them.
She sighed, figuring she'd play Scarlett O'Hara later and 'worry about it tomorrow.'
************
Will stood in his office, staring out the window, seeing nothing but Lizzy's smile as she'd read the card accompanying her flowers.
A card and flowers from Jeff Wickham.
Jeff Wickham.
He knew he'd frozen when he'd heard the name, but it had come as a total shock.
He hadn't heard that name in more than two years.
And it was not a name he cared to remember.
He watched his fists open and close, a typical reaction that Jeff always inspired.
So he was here in Longbourne.
Thank God Georgie was happily far, far away from here.
But that was the least of his worries at the moment.
He knew what kind of man Jeff was, but it was obvious Lizzy didn't. Either it appeared, did Jane or the apparent law firm he was trying to get into. But then again, Jeff was very good at making things up, he supposed he could do it with a 'legal past' as well.
God, the injustice of it all!
If only Lizzy knew the truth!
But she could never know.
Georgie's happiness depended on no one knowing.
Not that Lizzy would believe him anyhow.
He sighed as he thought back to his conversation with her earlier, and the realization she liked Aerosmith. Not something he'd expect from her. But then again, no one suspected his taste in music from looking at him either.
But it intrigued him none the less.
Lizzy Bennett intrigued him, much as he did NOT want to admit it.
She was stubborn and forthright, and was able to annoy the heck out of him faster than anyone he'd ever met.
But despite how she could irritate him at times, he could see she was a good person, a dependable, capable and well-liked worker and a very good overall executive producer.
Along with having the 'finest' pair of eyes he'd ever seen and a smile that could make his heart flutter like crazy when she smiled at him.
And a dog.
And an apparent love of some type of classic rock.
And an apparent interest in Jeff Wickham.
The last thought brought him back to earth quickly, the distaste of the name seeming to coat his mind in blackness.
Well, it was her life after all, and she had a right to see or date whomever she liked.
He just hated the fact it was Jeff Wickham.
Although from her words earlier, he had a feeling she hadn't known him that long.
But could she possibly have been taken in by him?
He knew Wickham exhuded charm from every pour, drawing women to him like flies.
Georgie was a typical example.
But underneath that charming exterior lurked a different man, one that was not very charming or well liked at all.
But then again, no one knew that but himself, Georgie and a few others inside their inner circle.
And it would have to stay that way.
But he didn't have to like it.
"Mr. Darcy, I have that paperwork you asked for."
He turned as Marie's voice entered his dark thoughts.
"Thank you Marie, just leave it on my desk and I'll get to it in a moment," he replied, forcing a smile for the woman as she dropped the folder on his desk and left the office.
He sighed as he returned to his desk and picked up the folder.
He had work to do.
He couldn't afford to let thoughts of Jeff Wickham, or Lizzy Bennett for that matter, distract him from his job.
But he couldn't get the delighted expression in Lizzy's eyes as she'd talked about her Aerosmith interview and Steven Tyler's lips, out of his head.
Nor the surprise and delight in her eyes as she'd looked at the flowers.
He cursed as he crumpled up the paper in front of him and tossed it into the wastebasket.
Then he returned to the window, staring unseeingly into the daylight, hands clenched into fists at his side.