The woman was entranced with Loki and the two talked for what felt like hours. Darcy took the chance to show the children she was with their storybook collection. The two seemed enthusiastic about Disney princesses and transformers. Luckily Darcy was able to find a stack on each and the two sat in the children's corner on plush stuffed animals, noses buried in the books. When she returned to Loki the woman was gushing on the news of his engagement. She snuck a curious look at Darcy and Loki turned and held his arm out. "As you see, Brea, I already found someone." The woman put her hands up and clapped like a child as Darcy curled around his arm.
"Oh my God!" She gushed. "I knew Sif wasn't the one for you. She's so stern, too stern for a soft soul like you. There weren't even pictures of you two together! I knew you couldn't love her."
"I have only met Sif a few times, yet she did show quite the⦠interest in me." Loki drew his eyebrows and frowned. "But my father promising her such things was ridiculous. I do mean to speak with him tomorrow at a party he is holding."
"Oh God, you're story is better than any book." The woman, apparently named Brea smiled. "And I do hope it turns out well for you. Oh my goodness I can't believe I was so blessed to walk into this book store."
"The pleasure was all mine." Loki pulled his fan into a hug and the woman nearly swooned.
"Oh nice to meet you too, darling." Brea pulled Darcy into a hug that smelled of cinnamon and fruity perfume.
"Oh, yeah, you too." Darcy smiled crookedly.
The woman shuffled off after buying a few books for her kids. Loki had pulled up the sleeves on his black shirt and had his hands settled in his narrow waist. He finished putting the sales into the computer and Darcy went to finish organizing the romance section. "Do you want to talk about it?" Loki asked.
"Talk about what?" Darcy asked, even though she knew.
"Sif, because honestly it feels like the elephant in the room." He looked up at her. "Darcy, you have to understand that my family doesn't really take failure as an option. A son almost thirty who hasn't gotten married and whose occupation is considered an art form doesn't go over well with them. So when a famous actress shows interest in one of your children you sell that kid off without a moment's hesitation." He frowned and pulled his head back down to his work.
Darcy took a moment to take in the information. At least he didn't want to get married to her, but that didn't just change everything. "You've always obeyed your father haven't you?" Darcy asked, nearing the end of her book stack.
"Old habits die hard. I got by with such a powerful father by keeping my chin up and hanging on his every word." Loki smiled without it reaching his eyes. "He said I couldn't be a writer. That was the first time I disobeyed him, and the moment my brother became the golden boy. Quite literally, his hair is ridiculous." Loki chuckled. "He's a huge lummox, but he's always honest."
"What does he do?" Darcy asked.
"Professional football player, center midfield specifically; If he wasn't so popular my dad would be disappointed in him too."
"He doesn't find writing a noble profession?" Darcy argued and Loki answered her question with a raised eyebrow and quirked mouth.
"Now that we've established all of that, do you want to go to a dance tomorrow?" Loki turned stern. "Of course that means we may have a nasty confrontation with my father. Oh and you'll be needing a dress, my treat."
"No, Loki I honestly couldn't ask you to do that. I will go with you because it's the right thing to do, and I have plenty of dresses, don't worry about it." She went down the stairs and leaned on the counter.
"Are you sure, I would love to see you try some on." He wagged his eyebrows and Darcy giggled.
"Fine, but we're going somewhere I like."
After a few customers shuffled in and out they closed the shop around six and made their way down the shop cluttered with small shops. The night was busy with couples and friends walking by and laughing. Lampposts were dappled on the side of the streets, long strings of lights hung across them twinkling brightly. She went into a few shops and was able to find a tight dark green cocktail dress with lace sleeves and a curved neckline. They passed many restaurants and Darcy suggested they head to The Tower after shopping. Loki agreed and took her hand in his, his long fingers threading through hers'. Darcy blushed, her heart thumping embaressingly in her chest. She must have it bad, no man had ever made her feel this way by such a simple expression of love.
