(The Ace of Clubs)
(Clark entered and saw Tess already sitting down in the center of the room)
Tess: "Wow. You're early, Mister Kent. How very punctual."
Clark: "I do what I can."
(He sat down as she smirked, flirtatious)
Tess: "I wanted to apologize about earlier. This isn't normally how I go about asking people out."
Clark: "I understand. From what I've heard, Lex Luthor can be a pretty ruthless business man."
Tess: "You've never met him before?"
Clark: "We don't exactly run in the same circles."
Tess: "Hm..then why's he so interested in you?"
Clark: "Me? I thought he just wanted to buy the Planet."
Tess: "He does but..I'm wondering if there's more to it than that...although I suppose I can see the appeal."
(Clark smiled uncomfortably)
Clark: "Uh..what do you want to drink? Do you think they serve coke?"
(Tess chuckled in amusement)
Clark: "Uh..I mean water.."
Tess: "You're still just a young guy deep down aren't you?"
Clark: "I'm just..not big on alcohol."
Tess: "It's endearing, really. Besides my father was very much the opposite."
Clark: "Oh? Is he still..?"
Tess: "Around? No thank God. Sorry it's not a uh..very pleasant story."
Clark: "..it's okay. I wouldn't want to make you uncomfortable."
(Tess genuinely grinned)
Tess: "Wow, Kent. You might be a little too good for me."
Clark: "Trust me, Miss Mercer I'm not that good."
Tess: "Well..maybe I kind of like that too.."
(Their eyes locked and for the briefest moment they started to lean in when...)
Lois: "Oh Smallville! There you are!"
(Lois walked in with Jimmy Olsen)
Clark: "Lois??"