AN: Hi guysI Thank you so much for leaving such kind notes and reviews for Telling Tales. It means so much to me that you're reading this story. I know everyone's spoiling for a Gwen/Arthur moment, and I promise you that it will happen soon—just not right now :) But to make up for it (and because I may not be able to update until next weekend), here are two new chapters. I'd love to know what you think of them. - BNQ

-8-

"You look nice today," Ella said as I came out of Tomes' back office and made my way to the front of the store. "Is there a special occasion?"

I smiled at Ella. She was a sweet girl, and was always ready to lend a hand when I asked.

"No, nothing special," I said as I set a sheaf of papers down on the counter. "Just having coffee with friends and I thought it would be nice to dress up a little."

It wasn't even a very special outfit, just new dark jeans, a white eyelet blouse, and espadrille-type wedges that added three crucial inches to my height. Maybe it was the addition of a pair of simple pearl studs in my ears that got Ella's attention as I rarely wore jewelry.

I tucked the papers into a large brown envelope and sealed it. "Elyan's going to drop by today and he'll need these papers," I told Ella. "Remind him that he'll need to give it to dad to sign before we send them out to the insurance agency."

"All right," Ella said as she tucked the envelope under the counter. "What time is he coming over?"

I looked at the clock and saw that it was 10 in the morning. "He's coming by at around 11," I said. "He's having lunch with dad today."

"Got it," Ella replied. "And don't worry about me, I came prepared." She held up a brown paper bag that she had apparently stowed under the counter as well.

"I worry about everyone," I laughed. "Okay, Ella. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Take your time," Ella called after me. "It's spring! Have some fun!"

I waved at her and made my way down the street. I was fretting about how I was going to behave in front of Anna (I still calling her that in my head because I was too afraid to slip and call her Morgana), but then I remembered how lovely she was when we first met and my worry dissipated a bit.

"Play it by ear," I told myself. "She doesn't know that you know who she is or that you're enamored with her brother."

The short walk to the cafe was pleasant. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze in the air, and everyone seemed to be taking advantage of the weather. As I reached the restaurant, I noticed that the planters outside were bursting with flowers and the blooms made it look more charming than usual.

I looked up and saw that Mor...sorry, Anna and Merlin were already inside. They saw me through the window and waved at me to come inside. I waved back and stepped inside the cafe. I made my way to our table, and as soon as I sat down, a waiter came over with my usual cup of ceylon.

"Just like magic," I laughed. "Thank you," I told the waiter who inclined his head and murmured, "You're welcome."

I took a sip noticed that Anna and Merlin were exchanging glances in a way that was starting to make me feel nervous.

"Uh-oh," I said as I set down my cup. "Why do I feel like you two are up to something that involves me and that I won't like it?"

"Nonsense," Anna had propped her chin on her fist and was staring at me with a disarmingly cheeky smile. "We've only just met, why would you think that we have something sinister planned?"

"Yeah," Merlin drawled, a just-as-mischievous smile on his lips. "I mean just because Anna lunged at your boobs when you first met doesn't automatically mean that she's up to no good."

"Ignore Merlin," Anna said in a dry voice, her eyes still on me. "I always do."

"She's lying," Merlin deadpanned. "I'm all she thinks about."

"Okay kids," I put up both hands in a placating manner as I tried to keep myself from laughing. "What is it that you need from me?"

"We need you to come with us to a party," Merlin said quickly. I can't really say for sure, but I could swear that he was trying to suppress a grin.

"Why?" I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "You just said that we barely know each other."

"Oh, it's not personal," Anna said and grimaced as soon as the words left her mouth.

"Wait, let me rephrase that. What I meant to say is that I," she paused for a beat before continuing. "I work for a company that supports small businesses and every spring they host a party to introduce business owners to each other."

I took another sip of my tea and regarded what Anna just told me.

"A company," a voice said in my head. "Suuuuure."

"It's sort of a mixer," Anna said. "It helps small businesses flourish and in turn gives our company a micro-concept of market trends."

"And how does Merlin factor into this?" Anna had done all the talking while Merlin just sat there looking at Anna with limpid eyes.

"He's on the party committee," Anna said with a straight face.

"Yup," Merlin quickly agreed. "You know, see how many people are going to attend, figure out how many bags of crisps and how much punch we have to prepare, that sort of thing."

"Well, how can I say no to that?" I smiled. "Okay, thank you for the invitation. I would love to attend."

"Yay!" Anna actually clapped her hands a little at this. "Give me your number and I'll send you the directions to the venue, oh and you can bring a friend along if you want."

I thought that was bit too much considering this was an official function, but then Anna doesn't seem to be one to hold back on what she feels. I I wrote my mobile number down on a piece of paper and handed it to her.

"When will this party take place?" I asked.

"Next Tuesday," Merlin said.

"All right," I smiled widely. "I'll be there."

"Lovely," Anna said and raised her cup in salute to...Merlin?

Merlin duplicated the gesture and while I was a little taken aback (I mean, who does that, really?), I mimicked them and said, "Cheers!"

"So, Gwen," Merlin said turning to me. "Do you have a boyfriend?

I sputtered and looked at him. "What?"

"Or girlfriend," he said hastily.

"No boyfriend," I said shortly.

"And girlfriend?" Morgana asked the question this time.

"Out of the question," I answered. "I am so straight that it's embarrassing sometimes." I gave a small chuckle before speaking again. "And what is this, Gang up on Gwen Day?"

"We're just curious," Morgana said in an voice that was all innocence and sunshine. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"A shrink after this conversation is over," I said in a dry voice.

"Hmmm," Merlin said, taking a sip from his cup.

"Lovely," Morgana said, and I definitely saw her give Merlin a quick wink.

Oh God, why do I feel like I just walked into a lion's den?