He glanced up at the mistletoe, then back at Azira, and smiled. "You know the tradition... mistletoe."
CHAPTER 5 Mr. Fell & Mr. Brown
Azira sat at one of the metal tables outside of Nina's cosy coffee shop, a faint chill in the autumn air promising rain later in the day. The golden sun's rays warmed his back as he enjoyed breakfast with Maggie, a vivacious blonde adorned in a cheerful yellow and green cardigan. Her infectious energy and mood swings made her company oddly comforting.
Though they'd grown quite friendly over time, Maggie still addressed him as Mr. Fell, it was her way of maintaining a respectful distance, as he was his landlord. Today, their conversation meandered toward the topic of selling products on eBay and Amazon. Maggie, ever the enterprising soul, had been turning a profit from these online ventures, enough to cover her rent for several months now.
"You really ought to give it a try, Mr. Fell," Maggie urged with enthusiasm, her cerulean eyes sparkling. "It's an easy way to earn extra money, and I'd be happy to help you set it up. You know, considering you're not much of an internet person."
Azira sipped his tea thoughtfully, his gaze drifting towards the passing pedestrians. "Well, my dear, I do appreciate the offer, but I'm not entirely convinced. I've managed my bookshop for a long time without the need for such modern… contrivances."
"Modern? eBay has been around since the 90s Maggie exclaimed, her chair giving a little jolt. She took a bite of her cookie and washed it down with tea before continuing. "You don't even have a smartphone. I'd die without my phone."
With a sigh, Azira looked into the distance, "Even if we did set up the eBay store… thing, I'm not sure what books it would sell."
A hand gently squeezed Azira's left shoulder, and Mr. Brown, clad in his signature orange shirt, brown tie, and argyle-patterned jacket, approached from behind. He carried a newspaper and a bundle of envelopes, his usually solemn face tinged with an unusual excitement.
"Good morning," Mr. Brown greeted them politely before seating himself without waiting for an invitation. "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation, Mr. Fell."
Azira acknowledged him with a nod and a smile, placing his teacup down. "Yes, we were just discussing various means of selling items online, Mr. Brown."
As always, conversation quickly shifted under Mr. Brown's influence. "Mr. Fell, you know the best way to boost sales is by auctioning one of your first editions."
Azira's immediate response was a firm refusal. They had debated this several times, and the notion of parting with any cherished books was heart-wrenching. "I simply couldn't bear to part with any of my first editions," he declared firmly.
Maggie, always one to seek the practical side of things, interjected, "But Mr. Brown does have a point, Mr. Fell. You could make a tidy profit from those old books, especially if they're rare."
Drawing closer to their table, Mr. Brown addressed Maggie. "I've told him many times; it would attract new customers to the shop."
Azira's thoughts drifted away from the debate, as they often did during these contemplative moments. He ruminated on the changes in his life over the past few years—the ever-increasing prices that now gnawed at his financial stability.
He had taken up keeping a diary, jotting down musings and occasionally sketching the golden eyes that watched over him during the quiet hours of the night. He had scoured ancient texts, literature, and mythology in search of answers, but the elusive amber eyes remained a mystery, haunting his every thought.
The world had changed, and he with it. His leisurely strolls in Saint James' Park had become rare, replaced by the companionship of his neighbors and long hours spent with Russian literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Writers like Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Anton Chekhov, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn delved deeply into the psychological and emotional struggles of their characters, often depicting a profound sense of loneliness and melancholy that mirrored Azira's own feelings. The occasional chats with Maggie and Mr. Brown, their outings, were now the simple pleasures he embraced.
Mr. Brown broke through Azira's reverie, his voice soft but insistent. "Mr. Fell, I understand your attachment to these books." His gaze met Azira's with longing. "You possess exquisite taste in literature, Mr. Fell, a reflection of your remarkable mind. But sometimes, practicality must prevail. You could use the money for various improvements."
Azira blinked, returning to the conversation at hand. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Brown, but I must respectfully decline."
Their debate on the profitability of selling second-hand items, like books and vinyl records, on eBay continued, with Maggie and Mr. Brown presenting their respective cases.
As they chatted, Maggie's excitement bubbled over. "By the way, I have something to share. We're going to Nina's parents' place this Christmas!" Her expression shifted to nervousness as she added, "I'm going to meet her entire family."
Azira offered a genuine smile. "That sounds absolutely delightful, Maggie. I'm truly happy for you."
Maggie's curiosity got the best of her, "Are you planning on visiting your family for Christmas?"
The question caught him off guard, stirring emotions he rarely confronted. He knew he had a family—a large one at that. But they had distanced themselves from him long ago, and memories of their faces and voices had grown distant with time. He couldn't even recall their names anymore. He knew they didn't want him back.
The only memory that remained was the voice of his mother and the feeling of love and adoration he had for her. The kind tone of her voice when she asked about something he had lost. But it was so long ago that Azira couldn't even remember her face.
Azira sighed softly. "Well, Maggie, you see, I do have a family, or rather, I did. But we've... well, we've grown apart. It's been quite a while since we last spoke."
Mr. Brown reached across the table and patted Azira's hand gently, his voice filled with warmth. "You know, Mr. Fell, my mother and I will be alone this Christmas. It would be a pleasure if you could join us for dinner."
Azira hesitated, his heart touched by the genuine offer but reluctant to impose. "I appreciate your kindness, Mr. Brown, but I wouldn't want to intrude. I'm quite fine on my own."
Mr. Brown's eyes twinkled, and he leaned in, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Ah, but my mother makes the most delightful Yorkshire pudding, and the turkey, oh, it's simply exquisite. Not to mention the gravy and cranberry sauce. It would be a shame for you to spend Christmas alone when you could share such a feast with us."
Maggie chimed in, her smile encouraging. "And, honestly, Mr. Fell, spending the holidays alone is a nightmare, you'll regret it, I promise."
With their coaxing, Azira finally relented, knowing well he will regret it later. "Very well, then. I shall join you for Christmas dinner, Mr. Brown. And thank you, Maggie, for your persuasive powers."
Nina approached the table, "Mr. Brown, what can I bring you? Coffee, tea?"
The man smiled tightly and stood up. "I must excuse myself. It's time to open the shop. See you later, Mr. Fell." He bid his farewells with a nod and walked away.
Nina approached their table, her warm smile lighting up the moment. "Do you need anything else to eat or drink?" As both Azira and Maggie declined, she took a seat in the vacant spot.
Maggie beamed at Nina with affection, her heart full of anticipation for the upcoming family meeting, and Azira couldn't help but share in her joy. As their conversation shifted to other topics, the scene at Nina's coffee shop once again blended into the comforting backdrop of their everyday lives.
In the heart of Soho, nestled behind a quaint facade that had witnessed the changing decades of London, Barrie Brown and his mother lovingly prepared their home for the Christmas dinner. The hallway, a time capsule from the 1970s, welcomed visitors with its vintage charm. Together, they added the finishing touches on their holiday decor.
Barrie, perched atop a sturdy stepladder, carefully secured a sprig of mistletoe to the ceiling. A smile, tinged with nervous anticipation, played on his lips as he fastened it securely.
"Almost ready, Mother," he called out with a hint of excitement, his voice resonating through the narrow corridor.
His mother, dressed in her customary black and dark blues since her husband's passing, was a shy, frail woman who had spent her life under the strict norms and shadow of her late spouse, a stern man whose death had liberated them both. As Barrie continued decorating, joined her son in the hallway. Her hands, weathered by time, cradled a roll of holiday-themed carpet runner adorned with red poinsettias and green holly leaves.
"Barrie," she began, her voice gentle and tinged with concern, "I hope Mr. Fell understands the effort you put into all of this."
Barrie smiled, his mother's words touching him deeply. "Oh, Mother, I think he does. You know how much I adore Azira Fell. I've grown quite close to him over the years."
Mrs. Brown nodded, her hands trembling slightly as they carefully unrolled the carpet. "But, dear, it has been nearly four years since you began trying to win his heart. Are you absolutely certain he shares your sentiments?"
Barrie chuckled softly, a hint of mischief in his eyes as he thought about the enigmatic bookshop owner. "You know Azira, Mother. He's a bit like a princess, likes to be pampered and wooed slowly, without any pressures. He can be quite frivolous in nature, but deep down, he has a good heart. When we're together, it feels right, and we make quite a pair, if I do say so myself."
"But you are not together." Mrs. Brown muttered.
As they continued their preparations, Mrs. Brown neatly tucked festive red cloth napkins into delicate china plates. "This is the second year you've invited him for Christmas dinner, yet he still refers to you as Mr. Brown," she pointed out, her concern apparent.
Barrie paused, a flicker of frustration crossing his face before he resumed lighting the ivory candles on the dining table, casting a warm and inviting glow around the room. "I know, Mother. But I genuinely believe I'm making progress. I can touch him now, and I've noticed he allows me to linger in the bookshop for longer periods. Once Azira opens up to a more intimate relationship, I'm sure everything will fall into place."
Mrs. Brown sighed softly, her eyes filled with maternal worry. "Barrie, my love, you must rush these things. Your subtle advances might go unnoticed if you're not careful. You can't give Azira all your best years waiting for him to come around."
Before Barrie could respond, the doorbell chimed, announcing the arrival of Azira Fell. Barrie exchanged a quick glance with his mother, his heart racing with both excitement and apprehension. As Barrie hurried to answer the door, his heart pounded with a mix of nervous anticipation and the hope that this Christmas would bring a change in his relationship with Azira Fell. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to be his usual charming and jovial self.
Swinging the door open, he found Azira standing before him, impeccably dressed in his signature attire—neatly tailored clothing with a hint of vintage charm, much like the hallway itself. A warm smile graced Azira's lips, and his blue eyes sparkled with genuine delight.
"Good evening, Mr. Fell," Barrie greeted him with a hug, his voice filled with warmth. "I'm so pleased you could make it. You look absolutely splendid, as always."
Mr. Fell returned the hug, his touch as delicate as ever. "Good evening, Mr. Brown," he replied, his voice carrying the hint of a smile. "Thank you for the kind invitation. I've brought wine."
As Azira stepped inside, he took a moment to appreciate the holiday decorations that adorned the hallway. The mistletoe hung above, its presence not lost on him. "Your holiday decorations are as delightful as ever."
Barrie chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "I'm delighted you approve, Mr. Fell." He glanced up at the mistletoe, then back at Azira, and smiled. "You know the tradition... mistletoe."
Azira gazed up at the mistletoe with a slightly perplexed expression. Mustering his courage, Barrie gently cupped Azira's cheek to steady himself and planted a quick kiss on the corner of Azira's mouth.
"Well, Mr. Brown, you certainly know how to keep the holiday spirit alive," Azira quipped in his polite, slightly reserved manner.
Barrie's amber eyes twinkled with genuine delight, feeling both relieved and encouraged. "Please, come in and make yourself comfortable. Mother will be delighted to see you." He would had preferred a kiss in exchange, but he knew Mr. Fell wasn't very fond of physical touch.
Azira followed Barrie into the cosy dining room, where his mother awaited them, her smile radiant as she rose from her seat. "Mr. Fell, it's a pleasure to have you here," she greeted him, her voice warm and welcoming.
Azira inclined his head politely. "Mrs. Brown, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for your kind invitation."
Barrie pulled out a chair for Azira, gesturing for him to sit. "Please, have a seat. Dinner will be ready shortly."
As they settled around the table, the tantalizing aroma of the Christmas feast wafted in from the kitchen. The dining room table was adorned with a festive red tablecloth, elegantly embroidered with golden snowflakes and holly leaves. In the center of the table stood a tall, gold-colored candlestick holder, holding ivory candles that flickered, casting dancing shadows across the room.
Throughout the evening, conversation flowed effortlessly. Barrie shared stories of holidays past, their favourite Christmas traditions, and even some of the sales Barrie had made recently, as the Christmas season always brought an increase in business.
As dinner came to a close, dessert was served—delectable mince pies with a dollop of brandy-infused cream. It was then that Mrs. Brown quietly requested Barrie to fetch a pillbox from her bedroom, a subtle sign that she had something in mind. Barrie couldn't help but glance at Azira, his heart yearning to express the depth of his affection. Yet, he complied.
Curious, Barrie retrieved the pillbox and, as he returned, he positioned himself just outside the dining room, listening intently.
Azira's voice was sweet and charming as he complimented their china plates, adorned with delicate holly patterns. "These plates are truly lovely, Mrs. Brown."
Mrs. Brown responded warmly and innocently, "You know what would be equally lovely, Mr. Fell? If you and my Barrie would address each other by your first names."
Azira, sounded slightly taken aback. "Well, I'll keep that in mind, Mrs. Brown."
With a deep breath, Barrie reentered the room, meeting his mother's eyes with gratitude. Having Azira call him by his first name was the most wonderful Christmas gift she could have given him.
Maggie sat behind the computer, her fingers dancing across the keyboard as she and Mr. Brown worked on creating a front store page for Mr. Fell's beloved bookshop. She had finally convinced him, and now they aimed to surprise him with their efforts.
The bell above the door chimed melodiously, heralding the arrival of customers. Maggie looked up and spotted two individuals elegantly dressed in sharp suits. One wore a cream suit, while the other donned bluish-white attire. They exuded an air of intrigue, an almost ethereal quality that set them apart.
Rising from her seat, Maggie greeted them with a warm and welcoming smile. "Welcome. How may I assist you today?"
The one dressed in the cream suit responded with a smile that seemed somewhat strained. "We were hoping to procure a... book," they replied, exchanging an enigmatic glance with their companion. "Is the shopkeeper available? It seems the store is closed."
Maggie tilted her head, considering their request. "Yes, I'm afraid the bookstore is closed at the moment. However, if you're looking for a specific book, you can leave me your contact number and the title you're searching for, and I'll make sure the owner gets in touch with you."
As she spoke, Maggie noticed a subtle shift in the atmosphere. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and a sense of happiness and relaxation washed over her. Her thoughts flowed freely, liberated from the shackles of fear or the need for secrecy.
The strangers exchanged a curious look before addressing Maggie again. "Do you happen to be friends with the bookkeeper?" they inquired with a subtle air of intrigue.
Maggie couldn't help but giggle. "Oh, yes, I do."
Maggie couldn't help but let out a light, carefree giggle. "Oh, indeed I do."
Their curiosity appeared to deepen. "And where might the bookkeeper be during these hours of closure?" they probed further.
Maggie responded candidly, her smile unwavering. "Typically, he can be found in the company of Mr. Brown, enjoying a meal or leisurely strolling."
The strangers displayed genuine bewilderment. "Who, pray tell, is this Mr. Brown?" one of them inquired, perplexed.
Mr. Brown chimed in, his voice radiating warmth. "That would be me."
"Why does he choose to spend his time with you?" one of the strangers questioned, their confusion evident.
Mr. Brown's smile broadened as he shared his sentiments. "While we may not yet be an official couple, our affection for each other runs deep. I'm diligently working on formalizing our relationship."
A flicker of disgust crossed the strangers' faces. "Neither of you will remember this encounter," one of them declared.
Maggie bid the buyers farewell as they left with a record, even though she couldn't recall what it was they had purchased. There was a sense of contentment and ease within her, as if a heavy weight had been lifted, and she couldn't help but smile.
With the customers gone, she returned to her seat beside Mr. Brown, her heart light. They resumed their work on Mr. Fell's webpage, their minds unburdened by the strange encounter. In that moment, as they collaborated to create a surprise for their dear friend, Maggie couldn't have been happier.
As Azira stood before the mirror, deftly adjusting his bow tie, his thoughts danced like autumn leaves caught in a gentle breeze. The reflection staring back at him was a picture of refined elegance, his attire impeccable, every detail chosen with precision.
The Ritz awaited him for a long-anticipated dinner with his dear friend, Barrie Brown. It had been a promise between them for some time. Yet, beneath the surface of excitement, a current of uncertainty tugged at Azira's heart.
Over the past four years, their friendship had blossomed, and Azira found himself looking forward to Barrie's company, a distraction to his loneliness. An in recent months, Azira couldn't help but entertain the idea that there might be something more to Barrie's feelings. The way Barrie called him by his first name, the lingering touches and the increasing frequency of his visits had not gone unnoticed. Memories of that friendly mistletoe kiss played on a loop, leaving Azira to ponder the true nature of these gestures. Were they more than friendship?
Loneliness was not a stranger to Azira, a persistent ache that had settled within him over the years. Did Barrie, his dependable and caring friend, harbor deeper feelings? He wondered if Barrie's intentions were indeed romantic, and if so, should he entertain the idea?
On one hand, Azira treasured Barrie as a dear friend, devoid of romantic sentiments. While he found nothing displeasing about Barrie's appearance, there was no spark of passion, no romantic inclination. Barrie had proven himself to be consistent, reliable, and incredibly caring —qualities Azira held in high regard.
Yet, on the other hand, he knew he was no longer a young man, and time had a way of slipping through his fingers like sand. Azira couldn't deny the emptiness that gnawed at him, a persistent void that refused to be ignored. He questioned whether it was possible to fill that void with another person, even as he grappled with the realization that he felt no romantic attraction toward Barrie.
Azira took a deep breath, the crisp fabric of his suit jacket rustling softly. He gazed at his reflection, hope and uncertainty shimmering in his eyes. The mirror offered no answers, only a reflection of his own contemplation.
Then, a familiar car horn broke the stillness, announcing Barrie's arrival. Azira cast one last look in the mirror. His reflection smiled back, a blend of hope and uncertainty. With resolve, he stepped out of his home and into the waiting evening, ready to enjoy an exquisite dinner at the Ritz.