Chapter 24 #3
Another blow from Wendy is blocked by Eddie and she dodges just out of his own counter. “You seem extra happy today, did anything interesting happen?”
“Maybe it did. Maybe I have a date for the masquerade ball next week.”
At this point Oswald and Bernard had decided to watch and listen, their ears picking up on how Eddie drew out the sound of the word ‘date’. Wendy notices as well, thirst for gossip driving her forward.
“Oh that’s fun, anyone I know?”
“That’s certainly a possibility.”
Eddie is playing coy, and oh how Wendy enjoys the chase. If he didn’t want to talk he could shut her down and she would let the matter be. But it seems Eddie is far too excited to keep this information to himself.
Bernard calls out to Eddie in the ring, “It wouldn’t happen to be a certain roommate would it?” Oswald tries to admonish him by smacking his arm, but is betrayed by the laugh he tries to stifle.
Eddie stops one of Wendy’s blows and stares wistfully at the floor beneath his feet, his smile softening from mischievous knowing to one of fond recollection.
Wendy sees her opening to strike, though, not with her fists.
“Jackson always said if he bothered to go he’d give me his plus one invite.
Unless of course, someone caught his eye.
Tell me, Eddie, do you get your own invitation or shall I give up hope of going this year? ”
“I have my own plus one, which has been offered and accepted. Jackson hasn’t said anything about going this year. Unless he told you something?” A glimmer of hope shines apparent in Eddie’s tone, it had only been a day but perhaps Jackson had made up his mind.
Wendy has her prize within her sights, a sinister grin darkening her face.
“You know, for all his evasive ways and avoidance of last night, he did ask me if I was free on the solstice next week. Usually on solstice days we watch movies and order take out with Mrs. Lee, before her passing. He didn’t specify what I was free for, nor would he clarify.
It’s half the reason I’m a little riled up.
Are you saying I should have a nice dress planned out for that day, Eddie? ”
Eddie towels off and grabs a drink of water, noticing how Bernard and Oswald look at him with anticipation.
He chuckles and shrugs as he turns to face Wendy who’s cooling down.
“I hope I could say yes, but all I can say is he didn’t say no.
We are both hoping he’ll join us for what I’m sure will be an unforgettable night. ”
We? Wendy’s ears perk up at the word.
So he didn’t ask Jackson, but whomever Eddie asked had said yes.
And they were both hoping for Jackson to be there that day as well.
And in the past three months, only one other person would fit the description of someone both Eddie and Jackson had grown close to.
The same someone who has the knowledge and access to magic that could tear a hole in the clouds and light up the sky to teach Jackson a lesson.
She thinks back to when Jackson came into the office, his own demeanor joyful and triumphant.
All the pieces are coming together in Wendy’s mind.
Jackpot.
She just needs one more thing to confirm her theory, and nothing helped her think like a good cup of coffee.
She plasters on her most innocent smile and calls over to Seamus.
“Seamus, did I get you those drinks I owed you and your staff?” She had, which only serves to confuse the muscular gnome.
He opens his mouth to correct her, then quickly shuts it when he sees the glimmer in her green and gold eyes.
The bond between hopeless gossips grows strong between them and understanding blooms. “Oh, you know what, Wendy, I can’t be sure. The whole thing was swept to the side by the commotion that day I just can’t remember.”
“Oh, in that case, why don’t we say I didn’t and I grab some today. I really don’t mind since you’ve all been so nice.” Coffee for the staff is a small price to pay for Wendy to obtain the knowledge she seeks.
“That sounds splendid. But, oh wait, you don’t have long left on your lunch break. We wouldn’t want you to be late. I know, Eddie! It’s been a week or so since you went on the coffee run, why don’t you assist Wendy, we’ll be fine here.”
The idea of seeing Hakeem during a coffee run had slipped Eddie’s mind, he’s almost embarrassed to face the man again after asking him out. His heart thunders in his ears as his palms begin to sweat. He can barely squeak out a reply, “Sure, I can help, no worries.”
Wendy claps her hand’s together gleefully, “Oh amazing. Thank you, Eddie. Let me change and we’ll head out okay?” Her voice is melodic as she hops out of the ring.
“Honey bear?” Asks Oswald, as he watches the blush creep up the neck of one of their oldest friends.
“Yes, my sweet river otter?” Replies Bernard as he watches Eddie squirm like a teenager thinking about their crush.
“Shall we get some coffee before we head home?”
“That sounds nice, Ozzy. Hey, Eddie! Mind if we join you and Wendy on the walk to ‘Shape of Brew’?”
Eddie doesn’t risk facing his friends as he isn’t sure if his cheeks are flushed from the workout or the thoughts filling his head.
“Sure, just meet us at the front as soon as you can.” Eddie can do this, he can see Hakeem again so soon after asking him to be his date.
He can keep his composure, even though all his mustered courage has betrayed him.
This is fine. Totally fine.
* * *
Things are more than fine at the cafe. Whilst Hakeem is still reeling from being asked to be Eddie’s date, the realization he had in fact kissed Jackson the night prior, and what it could mean if all three of them went to the ball together; Charlie is over the moon to hear of the rampant success of his friend’s love life.
“Leave it all to me, Hakeem, I’ll get you all dolled up for the ball. I feel like a fairy godparent, minus the wand. I know you like them, but they never felt right as a conduit for me. I prefer to accessorize with my magic.” They flash the jewel stud earring they use as a conduit.
“Uh huh,” is all Hakeem can say as he made drinks on auto pilot. His work didn’t suffer but his conversation skills seem to have vanished.
“We can easily adjust that suit you keep around, I have a tailor friend who owes me a favor. Long story, different time, think you met him not sure. Tall, dark, gorgeous, quarter orcish, not half. He has cute little tusks protruding from his lower jaw.”
“Uh huh.”
“I can teach you to dance, at least a waltz and you should survive the evening. Maybe trim and shape that fluffy bush on your head. Are we thinking of glasses or do we want to try contacts for the night?”
“Uh huh”
“Oh, you just leave it all to Charlie, mon ami. I’m so excited for you.”
At last, some actual words come from Hakeem as the corner of his lips turns up, “Yeah. So am I, Charlie. Thank you in advance, I know it’s a little last minute.”
“A week is not last minute when I’ve survived the great party rush of the summer of 2022.” States Charlie.
“The what now?” Asks Hakeem.
“One summer everyone and their great aunt Mirabelle was either having a bachelor/bachelorette party, baby shower, engagement party, milestone birthday or wedding. And I was ready for every. Single. One of them.”
“That sounds awful and I’m impressed the memory isn’t triggering for you.”
“Oh no, it was harrowing. But I had lots of fun and made great memories, so all in all, yay me!” Remarks Charlie, triumphantly.
The group consisting of Wendy, Bernard, Oswald and Eddie arrive at the ‘Shape of Brew’ cafe.
Hakeem looks up and is surprised to see Eddie so soon, till he realizes Friday is usually the day he did the run for the gym.
Charlie spots his friend’s strapping young suitor and notices the glimmer in Wendy’s eyes.
It’s the look of a woman on a mission, one they are more than happy to assist in.
“Hello, beautiful people!” Chirps Charlie from behind the register, “Is this all going to be one large order today?”
Oswald replies, “Me and this one,” pointing to Bernard who waves, “will be paying for our own today.”
“Marvelous, what can we get started for you today? Wendy, I’m assuming you’re here with Eddie for an order for the gym?”
The twinkle in Charlie’s eyes as they look between Eddie and Hakeem, who are currently staring shyly at one another, confirms Wendy’s suspicions. “Indeed I am, Charlie. Indeed I am.”
Hakeem’s speed at making drinks never ceases to impress Eddie and Wendy, and truly stuns Oswald and Bernard.
Even with the noticeable stolen glances at Eddie, Hakeem gets all the drink orders right without missing a beat.
Wendy takes a chance to slide up next to Eddie.
“Some say service jobs are easy, but not everyone can do that,” she says pointing to Hakeem behind the counter.
Eddie nods, his gaze lingering on the man whose technique has dazzled him since day one, “Yeah, he really is amazing.”
Bernard wraps an arm around Oswald’s waist and kisses his mate’s cheek. They know that look on Eddie’s face all too well.
“Order up.” Hakeem fills drink trays and passes them to Eddie over the counter, their fingers grazing as he passes the trays.
“Thanks as always, Hakeem.”
“Anytime, Eddie.”
They stare at each other with longing. Charlie actually swoons, like the dramatic they are, and catches themselves on a countertop, earning a giggle from the rest of the group.
“Sooooooo,” Wendy says as she takes her drinks from Hakeem.
“Any plans for the solstice next week, Hakeem?” Her smile of innocence is a mask that threatens to slip away by her burning desire to inquire.
Hakeem’s face flushes and he quickly turns to Eddie, as if asking for approval.
A nod and small smile is all Eddie needs to offer Hakeem to let him know it was more than alright.