Alright; a few notes.
Do not live in London but I Googled how many cinemas there are in that beautiful city, and it said 10. That might be wrong but hey as I said, I am taking liberties since I do not live there because I am Dutch (cries in despair but see also a reference to something 'Dutch' in the story later.).
I have no idea if you guys in Britain have intermissions during films but I went with it; since again, taking creative liberties is my middle name.
The lunchroom/restaurant mentioned though is a REAL one; I searched for the best places to eat in the afternoon and its name popped up. Londoners: let me know if it is indeed good so when I'll visit next time, hopefully in the near future.
And lastly, Edwina mentions connecting with someone from Japan on her LinkedIn. I personally connected with someone from there recently and his name is.. Hidehiko (did not chat with him though like Edwina did).
"Why are we here?" he asked.
"To have lunch"; his tablemate responded.
"Rigggght..." said Colin with a suspicious look on his face...
"What, can't I have lunch with my little brother?" Anthony indignantly exclaimed.
"Of course, you can" retorted Colin but his tone of voice showed that he didn't believe it because Anthony never went out for lunch.
They had come to a restaurant where Anthony got his sandwiches as it was close to his work; Balls Brothers Austin Friars and Anthony didn't mind eating more slowly this time instead of eating his sandwich in a minute. Anthony's stomach rattled; in the morning he had had coffee and toast but now he felt that it had not been nourishing at all. He had also woken up irritated: something had been bothering him for days, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"Hey lads" said Benedict as he hurriedly walked up to them to which Colin shot Anthony an "I knew it" look. Benedict had been given an important commission as a painter; an extensive piece for one of the members of the Dutch royal family; and it was far from finished; Colin knew.
"Hi Ben... How are you?" asked Colin.
"Good, good. And you? Have you ordered yet?" smiled Benedict broadly, whereupon Anthony shook his head, and his stomach began to protest. The three brothers picked up the menu and went through it briefly before making their decision and calling the waitress. After that, the 3 of them were alone but an uncomfortable silence took hold of them, which wasn't anything like them; and there were even more uncomfortable looks exchanged between Anthony and Benedict.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on and why I'm here?" asked Colin.
"Why should there be anything going on? Can't we just have lunch with our little bro-"
"Save it Ben" interrupted Colin to which Benedict sighed briefly; looked at Anthony and then nodded; letting him know he was going to address the issue at hand.
"Alright then.." and he sighed.
"Ehm.. we're a bit worried about you" began Benedict to which Colin frowned in confusion.
"Worried about me? Whatever for?" he asked while his gaze went from one brother to the other. It seemed as if Benedict didn't know how to proceed next because he didn't say anything after his sentence, so the oldest Bridgerton took over.
"The last few months.. Colin: I've had to pick you up from the hospital almost every other weekend. You go from one dangerous sport to another; you've barely had a job after graduation..."
"I went travelling for a year remember-" sighed Colin but Anthony continued unperturbed.
"We never see you. In fact, the only times we've seen you in the last few months have been in hospital because you manage to break your foot or bruise your wrists, not to mention your previous injuries. You were very lucky last time, you know that? I purposely didn't tell mother so that she wouldn't cut her trip short, but she told me not to do that again. That I should inform her directly from now on. When I hung up with her after a long lecture, she was crying, Colin. She is afraid, afraid that she will lose just like our -".
Anthony did not finish the sentence as it suddenly became difficult to discuss. Twenty years later and he was still having a hard time talking about his father; so, he reached for his glass of gin and tonic instead.
"It is just that we hope you're doing well... and if not... we're willing to help you; anytime. You can tell us anything, I hope you know that" he resumed after several swallows of liquid courage.
All three Bridgerton's were silent for a long time; and the atmosphere between them had suddenly become oppressive; this continued for several minutes before Colin spoke up. He felt patronised on the one hand and indignant on the other as if he deliberately wanted to hurt himself and deliberately chose to end up in hospital. On the other hand, he realised that his brothers were genuinely concerned about him; he could tell. There was nothing wrong with him honestly.
He had only felt bored; he didn't know when it had started but after finishing school and going on an extensive journey across the world; he had felt... empty. His goal had been to graduate university, but he had never thought about what he would do next, for some reason. He had invested a little in stocks during his studies as part of an assignment and it had earned him enough so that he could travel and not necessarily get a job. Also, every member of the family, it had been decided; from the age of 18, would receive an annual amount from the turnover of his father's company; partly because they were shareholders. Colin had set aside this amount each year together with the money he had acquired by his investments.
So, no.. Colin didn't perse need a job and he was happy and grateful for that and eager to go on his trip, on which he met Penelope Featherington abroad by chance; but when he got back he felt like a man without a purpose.
His passions were less obvious than those of Benedict or Anthony, who knew what they wanted to do at a fairly young age. That was why Colin had opted for a Business Major in the hope that this training would be comprehensive enough to allow him to find out exactly what he wanted. However, the answer had been staring him in the face all along. He knew what he had to do but he hadn't felt ready for it and now... he did; and he was quite happy with this opportunity to discuss his brothers for he had important information to share so he took a deep breath and spoke.
"Listen I'm sorry if I bothered you both by making you come and pick me up and -"
"No" Anthony interrupted.
"You didn't bother us, that's what we're here for. We're your brothers, Colin. " he said solemnly, and Benedict nodded in agreement.
"Please, don't interrupt me" said Colin.
"I want to say that I appreciate what you have done for me. The only sport I participate in from now on is boring old tennis, I promise you. And believe me; Pen scolded me so much when she came home from America that I wouldn't dare to do anything foolish again". He grinned now but had Penelope let him have it when she returned from America."
"I get where you guys are coming from. For the past year I have been... a little... restless, so to speak. Perhaps that's why I've been trying to do, is preoccupy myself with going from one adventurous silly thing to another so that I didn't have to think about what to do next, but I know now.".
He paused before continuing and saw that Anthony and Benedict were listening to him closely, curious about what he was going to say.
"I am starting a traineeship with one of London's leading and established companies " he explained.
"Really? That's great, Colin" said Anthony.
"I agree that is fantastic news. I am happy for you" Benedict smiled.
"Which company are you going to work for?" asked the elder Bridgerton. Colin didn't answer but smiled briefly and then bit his lip but somehow Anthony already knew the answer.
"You are going to work at Calypsis? Father's company? Really?" Anthony asked in delight and Colin nodded.
"Fantastic" said Anthony exuberantly and Benedict also reacted enthusiastically but then his expression got doubtful.
"But... You're not doing this because you feel obligated to are you? I don't want you to feel burdened to take on the responsibility. I know we haven't made it easy for the company because we've gone down different paths and But that doesn't mean that you have to take on this task if you don't feel like it" Benedict remarked a bit shyly.
Benedict had a good point, Anthony had to say, and he hoped that Colin did not start working in the company out of necessity, because he and Benedict were not there.
"No not at all. I'm looking forward to my traineeship. Uncle Tom will be supervising me for a year until I get the hang of it. You needn't worry about the decision making and whether the business is in good hands with me... I can reassure you. I will involve you if you wish".
"Colin...I have 0 doubts that you would not be able to manage the company but if you need us, we will be there for you, just like Uncle Tom" said Anthony sincerely.
Benedict said something along the lines of "definitely" to which Colin took a sigh of relief and smiled.
"Thank you both. Now.. since we're here and my intervention is over can we talk about Anthony's unfortunate ability to scare away intelligent and beautiful doctors?" said Colin with a grin.
Anthony nearly choked on his drink; not expecting this statement at all.
Benedict frowned at first but then a smirk spread across his face when he realised to whom Colin was referring.
"Aah. Are we talking about... Dr.? Shelby? Sterling? Wait no... Was something with Sh-"
"Sheffield" grinned Colin. "Her name is Sheffield" he repeated with an amused look.
"Oh... I didn't know you and her were-" began Benedict before Anthony interrupted him angrily.
"There is no her and I and Colin here doesn't know what he is talking about" said Anthony with a glare towards his younger brother.
"I don't know Anthony. I think there is something of.. admiration on your part towards her" Benedict said with a cheeky smile. "You just choked on your drink just now" as he shared an amused look with Colin.
"Ah shut up... What nonsense. Should I, and I repeat, should I be interested in dating a Miss Sheffield my preference would be the younger Sheffield who seems much more pleasant to be around with, if my first impression is correct, than her shrew of a sister" he firmly stated, even though he himself didn't quite believe that statement.
"Sure, Anthony, I believe you," Colin said in a joking tone which angered Anthony even more. Unable to keep his composure (hehehe title of fic) and kicked him under the table. Gently but, nevertheless. Kicked.
"Ouch, I thought you didn't want me to get hurt anymore", Colin joked.
"You deserved it" said Anthony with an even tone; even though he regretted what he had done somewhere.
"Fine. We won't talk about it again, ok" said Colin but still he gave Benedict a wink before changing the subject.
"Ah finally. There's the food" he remarked as he watched the waitresses walk towards their side.
"I'm famished" he stated, this while in the morning he had taken an hour to consume his extensive breakfast. Anthony was pleased with the arrival of the meal for two reasons; well four; his stomach was rattling worse and worse, he really needed to get back to the office; and thirdly he didn't want to talk about Kate Sheffield. Not at all. He had only been surprised to hear her name; that was it. And then he remembered she had rejected him and again a feeling of disappointment arose in him; once more; a feeling which he quickly ignored.
"Well enjoy your meal" said Colin as he started on his mega Carpaccio sandwich AND omelette. Benedict shook his head at the sight of his brother's plate.
"How can you still be slim?" Benedict asked in disbelief.
"I'm blessed with a fast metabolism I suppose" chuckled Colin as he took a big bite of his sandwich. After lunch Anthony returned to the office; now even more grumpy than he had been at the start of the day; and it had nothing to do with Kate Sheffield. Absolutely nothing.
"I can't believe you accepted his request."
"Seriously, are we still talking about this?".
"I mean you don't have to accept everyone."
"But I do! I get to meet lovely people from all over the world, for example just the other day I had a request from Hidehiko from Japan and got to know them a little. Nice man".
"Edwina; you are far too trusting. There are also people who are catfishers or want to swindle you and-"
"Sorry to interrupt but.. don't you have him in your list of connections as well or was I squinting the other day when I looked at your profile?" she said with a teasing intonation. Kate turned a little red but recovered quickly.
"Yes but... that's different because, because..." but she didn't know how to formulate an answer, because then she would have to explain what had happened in the hospital and why he had sent her an invitation in the first place; to apologise for what he had said.
When thinking about; he might have had a point even if she hated admitting it. Perhaps she was interfering too much with her sister, but she only wanted what was best for her. She was a little naive and too trusting, unlike Kate whose trust had been damaged several times, not only by her friends but also by her boyfriends who had run off with them. That is why she was so keen not to bring Edwina into contact with Anthony; she recognised a 'rake' when she saw one.
Kate thought it best to change the subject.
"Do you have class today?" she asked her sister.
"Yes... why?".
"Ah pity, maybe we could have gotten lunch and go shopping afterwards" said Kate with a disappointed tone. She had today off and somehow didn't feel like being alone, Mary, their mother was at work and Sarina; one of the few friends she had left was on holiday.
"Why don't you go to the cinema? There are good films on now and you like going on your own" said Edwina to which Kate frowned at her.
"I mean you like it when it's not so crowded" added Edwina quickly. Hhm, might not have been such a bad plan. She hadn't been there for a while, because she was too busy at work, but yes, there was nothing she liked better than going to the cinema on her own, when it wasn't crowded, and she could sit wherever she wanted.
"That is a good idea actually, will have a look at what films are screened" Kate said with a smile.
"Alright then I'll see you later; have fun" said Edwina as she walked out of the kitchen and left.
Anthony had done it anyway; taken a day off because his body was crying out for rest. They had been working feverishly on the Elston case for the past few weeks and he had continued when he was at home; going through the huge number of documents with e-mails and other written correspondence and he could only conclude one thing. They were done for. The government had been negligent and had assumed too easily that granulite was a substance that would be soluble in nature which it was not. On the other hand, the emails were devastating proof that the officials had been pressurised to agree.
The result was a mega-claim of epic proportions brought by residents who had themselves, among other things, commissioned soil tests; and the result was devastating. Granulite was a carcinogenic substance and should never have been dumped. The only thing the government could do was to pay and have the lake drained and their client didn't want either of those options, so they hoped for a legal 'loophole' that wasn't there. Anthony did not even want to think about it anymore; he was already tired of the issue and the case, but his bosses ordered him to continue, together with his team of lawyers.
Maybe this day off would do him good. One of the things he liked to do in his brief free time was to go to the movies. The new Bond film had premiered the other day and he was eager to go; alone or not, for his brothers were indisposed, and his mates were working. So, he bought a ticket for the afternoon screening; assuming he was going to see a nice film and relax a bit. He didn't expect to run into anyone he knew...at all.
Kate had chosen the new Bond film because she wanted to take her mind off things; to be entertained; and didn't fancy a drama or thriller-type film today. She bought her ticket and popcorn and went to the theatre where she had chosen a seat at the back. It wasn't crowded... Luckily; only a few teenagers who either skipped school or were free, and some couples; a mix of young and old she saw. It was still ten minutes before the film started, so she settled into her seat and began to wolf down a handful of popcorn, completely happy with her decision to go to the cinema. This thought had only just crossed her mind when she saw it... in the distance. At first she thought she was wrong, but it was him.
Oh shit. What were the odds? Ten cinemas in London and of all places, this was the day she met him. Was this God's punishment because she'd thought badly of him this morning or something, if so, she disagreed. She slunk back, trying to make herself small so he wouldn't see her, and she was successful at it, too, until he suddenly looked up, dumbfounded, at something in the distance; and her eyes met his.
He seemed upset for a moment but then, he smiled at her. The man had a beautiful smile, she had to confess, but what she would not confess was how her heartbeat faster at the sight of it. To her annoyance, Anthony walked on up and up until he stopped his line, which was two feet away from her unfortunately.
"Hello Dr. Sheffield. Nice to see you, what a coincidence" he said kindly.
"Hello... Mr. Bridgerton" she said as she felt herself turning red; and why was she suddenly feeling so.. hot.
" How are you? Funny that we have chosen the same cinema, movie, and time. As if it was meant to be" he said. The last sentence 'meant to be' caused a flurry of feelings which Kate quickly tried to suppress.
"I know, what are the odds?.. I am well, how are you?" said Kate with difficulty and a cracking voice.
"Good..." he said giving her another smile. He then looked curiously at the empty seat beside her.
"Are you expecting someone?" he asked, and Kate, to her dismay, began to blush slightly.
"An acquaintance was supposed to accompany me, but she cancelled," she lied quickly.
"Oh pity" he remarked...
"I'm by myself, too.. Say... Would you mind terribly if we sat together?" he asked her as if it were the most normal question in the world.
Sitting together with... him? As if it was a date? Well, it wasn't a date, but still... or not... No of course not; he hadn't asked her after all. He saw her hesitation and then decided to step it up a notch.
"The cinema is empty," he remarked while looking around.
"And I am sure they would not mind if I changed seats but if you really don't want to I'll just take my place-"
"No. No. It's fine. Come and sit down" she stammered. Damn it, her imprinted politeness made it impossible for her to say no; at least that's what she tried to tell herself.
"Okay," he said and climbed the last few steps to go to the last row, where he slowly walked to where she was sitting, in the middle and then sat down next to her. Anthony looked at her and smiled but didn't say anything.
"What?" asked Kate a little bashfully; not expecting him to look at her so long.
"Still can't get over the fact that I ran into you here out of all cinemas in London " he stated, and it was now the second time he had said this, yes it was highly unusual, Kate knew that too but also not... impossible as it was proven today.
"I know.. it is rather peculiar.. "she said with an awkward smile, and Kate, who had never had any problems communicating or getting her arguments across, couldn't see much else now and just concentrated on the screen, hoping the film would start soon. He seemed to sense her discomfort, so he wanted to put her at ease, as he still had something to make up to her.
"I have heard good things in the media about this Bond-film" said Anthony.
"Yeah, the reviews are mostly positive I believe" she said as she took another sip from her bottle of soda, which was almost empty by now because she started drinking out of nervousness and not knowing what to say. Both were silent for a small moment until Anthony broke the silence.
"I.. I'd like to apologise again for my behaviour last time. It was extremely rude. I'm sorry" he said, watching her while she did not, her eyes locked on the screen.
Her hair was loose today; she had on some light make-up to match her pastel shirt; and cotton jacket of the same colour; and light blue jeans. Perhaps the sleeplessness of the past few weeks was playing tricks on him, but he couldn't help concluding; here in this light, here close to him... He couldn't help but find her quite beautiful.
"I appreciate it, but you don't need to apologise again, I.. am over the ehm issue." she said without looking at him; fixated on the screen.. When was the film going to start? It seemed to take ages.
Anthony wanted to say something, she saw, but thank God the lights went out at that moment.
"This movie has an intermission of 10 minutes" she read; oh no. Why? If she had known... if she had known that she would see him today then, then...
Half an hour into the film her curiosity took over and just for a moment; glanced at him. He seemed at ease, something she was not, far from it. Somehow this was even worse; being cloaked in the dark with him; more intimate it seemed, and it made her more nervous than she was. So nervous, in fact, that when she moved her chair for the third time because she was 'suddenly' not sitting properly, she accidentally bumped her elbow into his.
"Oh sorry" she said quickly and in doing so she made the mistake of looking at him. At that very moment, an explosion happened, and it reflected from the screen to the audience; and a bright flash it up the room and the audience.
As that happened did the two locked eyes for a moment and looked at each other a little too long, as if neither wanted to divert their gaze. But it was Kate who looked away as soon as she had regained her senses and was enveloped in darkness. What... was that just now? A moment of ... what exactly? No, she wouldn't think about it, not now, not later.
If she thought the 'incident' was awkward; then she was wrong for the next moment Anthony had in fact leaned towards her; saying "it's alright" and to her shock or annoyance; hanging around her ear and neck a bit too long. To her own disbelief and irritation, she started breathing harder; something she tried to stop as quickly as possible.
Half an hour after this 'incident' it was time for the intermission to Kate's discomfort.
"I have to say; it's really great so far. What do you think?" he asked her when the lights were back on.
"Yes. Very good" she answered curtly, whatever it was, she had to admit. Daniel Craig showed why he was still Bond, Rami Malek an excellent villain and the two femme fatales Léa Seydoux and Ana de Armas were convincing in their roles.
"Can I get you anything?" said Anthony, pointing to her empty bottle.
"Oh, no thank you.. I have to ehm-" she said as she stood up; hoping it was clear that she needed to use the bathroom without having to spell things out.
"See you in a minute" she said as she hurried downstairs and almost ran to the lavatories.. Jeez, what an uncomfortable afternoon this was, she thought, looking in the mirror. Only one hour to go, Kate, she thought. Only one hour to go, Kate, she thought, inwardly cursing the director for making the film so long.
When she went back to the auditorium she saw that he was not in his seat to her relief and took her phone out of her bag and looked up Edwina in her contacts.
"You'll never guess who I'm in the cinema with right now? And sitting next to? "she texted.
"Omg who?" wrote Edwina back; using a 'curious' emoji' after the end of the sentence.
"Anthony Bridgerton."
"Whaaat?" wrote Edwina; ending with the 'laughing in tears emoji'.
"You're kidding, that is hilarious. We were talking about him this morning." she continued; obviously still very amused as she again used the previous symbol to indicate how funny this was.
"Glad to see that you get enjoyment from my misery, but I do not find this funny!" responded Kate.
"Ah come on. I am only joking. Is the movie almost over? How come you guys are sitting together? Ugh, so many questions. Look I have to go to a class in a minute, but you'll have to tell me everything later when I get home".
"I'll have to think about that" teased Kate.
"Kate! You must tell me everything or I will drag it out of you. See you tonight!".
She put her phone away when she saw him coming upstairs; with two cups of coffee in his hands.
"I hope you don't mind but I wanted some coffee and I thought you might like some too" he said kindly as he reached his chair and handed her the cup.
"I have milk and sugar too, in my pocket, one moment" he added quickly, suddenly feeling shy when there was no reason to be, but it was the same slightly unnerve feeling he had when he was on a date with someone. Which this was not. Not at all. This wasn't a date. He was just being polite.
"Oh, thank you... That's kind of you" Kate remarked as she took her hot drink from him. "I don't need milk and sugar, thank you".
She smiled at him and again the two stared at each other a little too long but again Kate looked away first. The film resumed, thank goodness, and the last hour flew by happily, and her uneasy endeavour was then over.
They walked towards the exit of the cinema in silence; and once there, Anthony turned towards her, with a look that she was so quick to define.
" Would you like to go for a drink perhaps?" he asked her, out of courtesy, of course. Only courtesy, it had nothing to do with the fact that he had enjoyed spending time with her and didn't want the experience to end.
"Oh erm...thanks but I think I'd better be getting home," she said, while a small voice inside her told her she'd rather go with him.
"I understand," he said, trying his best not to look disappointed. He paused for a moment before speaking again.
"Well, then I'll be off" he said "or do I have to go to the underground with you? I don't know how you got here". Kate shook her head and said that was not necessary as her train would probably leave shortly.
"I see, of course... Thank you for a lovely afternoon then, Kate" he said, and it was the way he said it; and the way he said her name again that made something in her come to the surface again.
"Likewise.. I mean thank you.. too" she remarked with a shy tone of voice. He smiled and nodded before turning and walking away but then he suddenly changed his mind and walked towards her again; something that once more had more of an effect on Kate than she cared to admit.
"Say. Um. Can I have your number?" and he saw her eyes suddenly grow large in disbelief only to frown in surprise.
"I mean; we might be able to go to the cinema again as friends in the future." What? As friends? No, he didn't mean it like that, well he did, but then again he didn't but it was too late, the sentence had already been spoken.
Oh, Kate thought. OH. He wanted to be friends; not that there was anything wrong with that; but why... she suddenly felt a wave of disappointment go through her. Why? If she had been Edwina would he have suggested this?
"Um, I have very little free time, in fact this was my first day off in months..."
"No, no I understand; the same goes for me" he added.
"Yes of course. Your law firm are busy with the Elston case right?" she asked without realizing she had made an error. Now he knew she had looked him up on the internet.
It was hardly noticeable, but it had been there, a small smirk played on his face; but he changed his expression quickly after.
"You're well-informed" he said as he took a step forward.
"I... I saw something like that pass by on your LinkedIn" she made up quickly which was a lie as he hadn't posted anything on his LinkedIn about the case.
Anthony did not say anything but just looked at her inquiringly.
"I... I have to go now" she said quickly, to which he did not reply but still stared at him with the same inquisitive look and Kate suddenly felt very warm again.
"I'll see you around" she stated as if London were a small village, and they would undoubtedly run into each other again.
"Give my regards to Colin" she said.
"I will" he replied.
Kate turned and walked away with a firm step, and Anthony couldn't help following her, even after she had gone out of sight.