Come to Me in Dreams
"Hello? Is anyone here?"
Mrs. Lovett stood up from her position bent over at the oven, turning to face the new voice. She brushed at flour on the front of her dress, having never worn an apron, and caught sight of the most beautiful man she had ever seen. He had shining eyes and beautiful dark brown hair, and his voice was clean and pure. Fighting the urge to gawk, Eleanor gave a small smile. "Here, love. Can I help you with somethin'?" She watched the man enter the shop, smiling as well, and he sat down at the small booth and table that lay in front of the front window. "Actually, I came for a pie, if you happen to have any left," he said, and Nellie's heart caught. "O-Of course, dear," she said quickly, fighting to hide her blush. He was young, younger than her. But something about him made Eleanor want to stare, to watch how his smile reached his eyes and examine every part of his face. Instead, she took a pie from the tray and placed it on a dish, walking out from behind the counter and placing it in front of him. "Anything else? Some ale, maybe?" she asked, leaning a hand on the table as she raised her eyebrows. The man broke out into another smile.
"Ale would be lovely."
Nodding, Mrs. Lovett busied herself getting out a mug and filling it with the drink, thinking of something to say to him that would get him to speak again. What was he doing here? While business wasn't awful, men like him certainly didn't come in too often. Setting the mug down on the table as well, Mrs. Lovett quirked the corner of her mouth up into a half-smile and lingered a moment before returning to her counter, quickly sprinkling some flour over the top so she could continue working.
"Thank you," he said, and Mrs. Lovett looked up with a smile. "You must be Mrs. Lovett." Eleanor gave a light laugh. "Yes, dear, that's me," she said, feeling warmth spread through her body at his glance. "Well, Mrs. Lovett, it's wonderful to meet you. I am Benjamin Barker."
Fighting a shiver, Mrs. Lovett smiled again. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Barker," she said, looking back down at her workspace and punching at the dough that lay there. They continued on for some time like this, Benjamin Barker eating his pie and Mrs. Lovett fighting with the dough. And the silence didn't bother her. Finally, Mr. Barker stood and paid her. "Wonderful, Mrs. Lovett. You'll be sure to see me back soon." And Mrs. Lovett knew she would.