At 10 o'clock the next morning, Lora was ready for a very exciting day of sightseeing with Mycroft. She dressed simply – blue jeans, her favorite green ballerina flats, and a green jumper. She would be walking a lot, she presumed, so pumps and elaborate dresses were not that appropriate.
The black limo with the same chauffeur picked her up.
- I'm taking you to Mr. Holmes' office – the chauffeur informed her.
She almost felt guilty; she was aware that Mycroft was busy with work (whatever that work actually was), but on the other hand, she had high hopes regarding their alone-time. She noticed Mycroft wore a lot of perfume yesterday, thus preventing her from even getting a whiff of his scent, but she hoped that today, when they would be alone, he would do what was expected from any common Alpha at such occasions-he would scent her, and she would scent him. That's the way it's supposed to work…
The car slowed down and she noticed Mycroft standing in front of a beautiful old building. There was a brunette woman standing right next to him, laughing at something. The chauffeur opened the back door and, to Lora's surprise, the brunette woman sat next to her, while Mycroft peeped into the car.
- Miss Kostov, how lovely to see you again – he gave a fake smile. She knew him for less than 24 hours, but she knew a fake smile when she saw one.
- And you too, Mycroft – she said, trying to sound calm.
- This lady is my personal assistant, Miss Anthea Smith. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am not able to take you sightseeing, so I arranged for Miss Anthea to be your guide today.
Lora had trouble again catching all he said – he talked too quickly for her, but she understood that he was not coming. Disappointment washed over her and she was sure it was very visible.
- You are busy? – she asked clumsily –But maybe tomorrow..? You will find tomorrow some time for me..?
- I do hope so. Have a nice day – he closed the car's door.
An uncomfortable silence ensued in the car. Lora felt her cheeks burning-he stood her up. She felt like crying, but she was determined not to show how bad she felt in front of this very attractive woman who worked with Mycroft. She would not give him the satisfaction of listening to his PA describing how the stupid, whiny Macedonian girl cried about this. So she sighed shortly and put on a brave face.
- So, what is our plan? – she asked Anthea.
- I heard you like arts and architecture, so we could see the National Gallery. It is huge, though, so If you could name the artists you prefer, we could see the works you will enjoy the most.
- Oh. I like Albrecht Dürer and Vermeer the most. The old masters – Lora felt a pang of happiness. She truly enjoyed art, and she never had the opportunity to see original works.
- Very well. After that, we have reservations at a very good restaurant. If you would like, we could go shopping in the afternoon – the brunette said professionally, but not entirely coldly.
- But I have not enough money..I mean, I took some money with me from home, but I know London is expensive, and I didn't plan any shopping - Lora blushed.
- Did you not take the credit card that was given to you? – Anthea asked.
- I did, but I don't understand why I have this card. It's not my money on it – Lora said.
- It is courtesy of Mr Holmes. You are his guest and he wants you to have a nice time while in London – Anthea smiled.
- Spending his money is not nice time for me. I did not come here to spend his money – Lora felt offended.
- Money is not an issue for Mr Holmes – Anthea explained.
- I know that – Lora sighed – But it makes me feel..what is the word for it..?
- Probably uncomfortable..? – Anthea added helpfully.
- Yes. Very uncomfortable. I don't want his credit card – Lora said, decidedly, and then she crammed through her purse, finding the offensive credit card – Here. Please you take it. I don't want it.
- As you wish – Anthea took the card with an honest smile. She started to like this girl.
As the hours went by, the feeling grew. Anthea was amused as she watched the foreign woman stand in awe in front of the old masterpieces in the National Gallery (I can't believe those are the real works! Can you imagine that hundreds of years ago Vermeer himself did this here?!). She liked how Lora's face showed even the tiniest of emotions. In Anthea's profession, she was surrounded by people with poker-faces, hiding every single bit of their personality. Just like Mycroft. And Anthea, too, has adjusted to these surrounding through the years, and now this girl reminded her of simpler times, when she was able to freely giggle and roll her eyes…
When they sat down at the restaurant, they had more opportunity to talk. Lora was truly something else. Unbridled by standard British conventions, she blurted out remarks and questions, but Anthea could see it was all in good heart, so she actually played along and after a long, long time, had an honest-to-God normal conversation.
- So, do you have boyfriend? – Lora asked curiously.
- Uhm, no, I don't..work and boyfriends are not a good combination – Anthea shrugged.
- Oh! Then you work too much! – Lora nodded – You know, I read somewhere that someone said that at end of life, no one says "Oh, I wish I worked more in life". You know? People are sorry for other things, more important things.
- Like boyfriends? – Anthea laughed.
- Yes, why not? It is nice to have someone.
- If that's the case, do you have a boyfriend? – Anthea asked, even though she knew the answer. Who knows, maybe she could fish some juicy information for her boss..
Lora looked at her with confusion.
- Of course I don't. If I have, then why would I be here?
- Well, you had boyfriends before..? You surely didn't wait whole your life for Mycroft to show up?
- I had boyfriends, of course – Lora giggled – I meant, if I have a boyfriend at the moment Mycroft called, then it would not be fair to come here. I could not just say to boyfriend "bye bye, some British guy calls me, so who cares about you".
Anthea was deeply satisfied with such answer. She felt protective of her boss and wanted him to settle down with someone who was deserving of such an outstanding man. In the same time, she saw things about Lora that Mycroft would undoubtedly classify as flaws, but she felt a certain amount of hope for the pair. And, if he would settle, then maybe, just maybe, he would stop working all those crazy over hours. That would mean less over hours for her, too. And less over hours meant the possibility of an actual personal life. Like boyfriends, who are nice to have, as she agreed with Lora deep inside.
Just as she was about to continue the conversation, Anthea's mobile beeped. It was an urgent mail and she frowned. She had to get going, right now.
- I am so sorry – Anthea apologized – I did my best to keep my day free, but I need to go, it's a work emergency. I will arrange for the driver to drop you over at the residence.
- Uh, already I go back there? – Lora frowned – Can the driver take me somewhere else..?
- I don't think Mr Holmes would be glad if you wandered alone in the city – Anthea replied.
- But I don't know anyone else here..wait! Maybe can I visit brother and his nice friend? John? – Lora asked hopefully. A whole afternoon shut alone in a room, or in the company of Mycroft's mother, did not sound appealing at all.
- Uhhh.. – Anthea thought about it – Let me make a call.
…
I hear Miss Kostov is on her way to see John and you. Do try to behave – MH
That's rich, coming from you. Were you not supposed to spend the entire day with her today? – SH
Emergency at work. Please treat Miss Kostov nicely – MH
You mean, like you DIDN'T? – SH
Very funny, Sherlock. I will make it up to her, if you must know. – MH
Poor girl. I'll advise her to leave the country ASAP – SH
That may be for the best, as a matter of fact – MH
John says hello and also that you're a heartless bastard. Gotta go now, your bride will be here shortly – SH
A/N
The last part is obviously text messages.
Btw you may have noticed, when Lora thinks, it's in italics and hopefully with not too many grammar errors..but when she talks, that's where we have all those errors..imagine her talking with an Russian accent
Mycroft's being impossible at the moment and he'll continue so for a while..I had to add Anthea to the story, I like her a lot. I was afraid of doing that for a while cause usually I ship Mythea or Mystrade, but somehow now I'm fine with Anthea being in this story. I think I'll add Greg soon, too.
I am very happy with the reception of this story, I see it's being read and followed (thank you guys for that!), and if only I would get a review or two from time to time-that would be perfect!