Was going to review this story on ff.net, and was going back to check and see just what I wrote on these comments (since I hate double commenting
)... and I learned that I never actually commented on this story!
Don't know how that got past me... I guess it must have had something to do with my internet connection... but the blame is solely my own.
I actually really liked the idea of lunch with Ellen taking Clark down a peg- too funny! At least we know where Lois gets her sense of dramatics from.
The jumper was a good little side point. Although it actually made me think of a "Mike and Molly" episode I caught the other day (a show I normally don't watch, but I can find anything to procrastinate) which I literally lol'd at.
(jumper) How come there’s no news
vans and helicopters?
(carl) This is Valentine’s Day… the city
is filled with jilted jumpers.
You’re lucky you got
your own ledge.
(mike) You hear that? You’re
not the only fella in town
with a little case
of the “boo-hoos.”
(carl) Apparently, there’s some guy
on the Michigan Avenue Bridge
dressed in a Batman suit.
(mike) That must be getting a lot of airplay.
(carl) Every channel.
(mike) Hey, let’s face it, you can’t
compete with Batman on a bridge.
Now, why don’t you
come inside.
(carl) Yeah. And if you still
feel like jumping,
do it on a slow news day.
Just reminded me of Lois and Clark, for some reason (probably your story :p ).
Anyways... back on topic, I loved this line from *your* story:
"And I'd love to be your valentine, you sentimental marshmallow."
Perfect! We have a new nickname for Clark (when lunkhead doesn't fill the picture)!
Great job!
Seriously though! Ellen's kind of a nut that way. Plus, I just thought it would be kind of funny if she just bulldozed down his optimism.
When I was working, it was different - I was getting home around 8pm and was usually dead-tired (was crunch time in the college admissions office). So no inviting people over. 
Michael