The next few weeks passed in sheer bliss for Edith as she and Anthony pleasantly passed several evenings and a good deal of the weekends together, enjoying outings which consisted of anything from poetry readings to simply spending time with each other. Unfortunately, the handsome baronet was being called away on business over the next five days and, so, at the moment, the couple was saying their final farewells before Anthony's plane departed.
"You'll call every evening, once you've finished for the day?" Edith inquired for umpteenth time.
"Yes, sweet one." Anthony patiently replied and has the redhead went to speak again, he chuckled and quietly added, "I promise."
"You know" Edith seemed to hesitate, "sometimes it's rather unnerving how you're able to read my thoughts."
"That's not a bad thing though" the tall blond paused, thoughtfully tilting his head to one side before continuing, "is it?"
"NO, not at all" the strawberry blonde assured him. "It's just...well... she fumbled, "it takes some getting used to I suppose."
"And, once I return, there"ll be plenty of time for you to do just that but, for now my sweet, I'm afraid, I really must go if I intend to catch my flight."
Anthony wrapped his long arms around the young woman and, after giving her one last blood boiling kiss to remember him by, grabbed his carry-on bag and headed towards the departure gate. With a wave, Edith blew the older gentleman a kiss as he gave one final glance back and then he was gone.
Four days later...
Anthony Strallan was certain he'd never been more excited in his life. Not only had he completed his business a day early but he'd been able to secure a flight allowing him to return home in time to drop off his things and still surprise Edith at work before the morning rush. At least, that's what he'd assumed but, upon opening the door to Beryl's, it soon became apparent from the crowd inside that he was entirely mistaken. Every table was taken and the line was nearly to the door as Beryl feverishly took orders and Daisy served up pastries.
Edith worked fervently to keep up with the demand for lattes and cappuccinos, only glancing up as she called out a customer's beverage for pickup. This time though the young woman did a double take, convinced she was imagining things, Closing her eyes and shaking her head, the strawberry blonde stole another quick glance which sent her heart soaring. Her Anthony was back! As their eyes met, the baronet simply shrugged and gave her that adorable crooked grin. Damn, the redhead cursed inwardly, on a normal day they wouldn't have been busy at this time and she could have welcomed him back with a kiss. She was about to call out to welcome the older gentleman home, when Mrs. O'Brien interrupted her attempt with some frivolous complaint. After settling the issue with the argumentative hag, Edith returned to tossing out drinks, fully aware that only one other customer, an older woman, had entered since Anthony. She forced herself to take a calming breath, hoping things would die down by the time he made it to the bar and perhaps they'd manage a minute alone.
Just as Anthony was about to order, the door opened and the entrance bell dinged again. Edith scowled, her features softening though as she looked up to see William Mason enter. Anthony looked over his shoulder, taking in the tall good looking fellow about Edith's age.
"Hey Ede, how ya doing?" the lad called out boisterously.
"I'm fine Will, what about you?"
"Doing good, beautiful! And I'll be having my usual."
"Someone must be a regular" the woman behind Anthony smiled up at the lanky young fellow.
"I am, and I'll let you in on another little secret" Will grinned broadly, "sometimes, when it's just the four of us, we even dance."
No one seemed to notice the baronet's clenched fists nor the grimace that flashed briefly across his features during this exchange.
Watching as the tall blonde stepped up to place his order, Edith smiled to herself, only three more customers before she'd be making Anthony's usual drink, a triple grande latte.
"What!" Beryl shrieked, "you never order just coffee" she said, turning to give Edith a confused look. "Are ya sure ya don't wanna get your latte this mornin'?"
Anthony simply shook his head.
Puzzled, Edith paused to watch as the frazzled redhead handed the baronet a cup of coffee. Taking the beverage, Anthony threw some bills on the counter and promptly turned towards the exit. Dumbfounded, Edith, unable to speak, stood in silence, watching the retreating gentleman's back. About halfway to the door, Anthony looking over his shoulder in Edith's direction, threw up his left arm. The strawberry blonde, caught off guard by the menacing stare directed at her, waved back weakly. What on earth, she wondered, had just happened.
Any of you ever feel as though life is determined to drag you down? Apologies for my absence, but just when I thought things couldn't get much worse, my 10 year old Australian Shepherd/Corgi mix passed away unexpectedly from cancer. It hurts like hell.