There are two prologues to this story as they are set on separate occasions.
Just some background knowledge for the story. This is set in the modern day era. Lady Danbury owns 'Danbury's Bar' and is teaching Simon the ropes so he can run it some day. Kate and Anthony are both 23 (so is Simon) and are attending Oxford University.
Thanks for reading :)
Like most Friday nights, Danbury's bar was crawling with students from the local uni who were desperate to forget the work piled on their desks. Groups gathered in the corner, shouts overlapping each other as orders were thrown at the bartender. Anthony Bridgerton occupied the end of the bar, his gaze fixed on a young woman in a short purple dress attempting to catch the attention of the bartender. Her efforts failed and she huffed in defeat, before a mischievous look crossed her face. She quickly darted her eyes to where Anthony was sitting before pulling out her phone and typing furiously. Moments later, another bartender hurried from out of the back room and nodded in the woman's direction,, immediately making two drinks and sliding them over to her. She gave a nod of thanks and made her way towards Anthony, occupying the seat next to him.
"Mr Bridgerton." She acknowledged, passing him his drink and sipping her own.
"Miss Sharma," He greeted, taking a swig of his drink. He let a moment of silence pass before he muttered: "you do know that that doesn't count, right?"
"Oh come on!" She groaned, glaring at him. "I got the drinks within the time limit."
"Yes, but the bet was to get a drink from Danbury, not to get a drink by flirting with Bassett."
"First of all, you didn't specify a bartender," Kate lectured, "and second of all I did not send a flirty text to Bassett."
"Really? Then why did he basically run to get you your drinks." Anthony accused, gesturing to the bartender in question.
"Oh, is somebody a little jealous?" Kate teased, elbowing Anthony playfully causing his face to burn red.
"No. I just don't like cheaters." He muttered, causing Kate to laugh and beckon Simon over. She quickly downed the rest of her drink, pushing it towards the serving side of the bar.
"Finished with your drink already, Miss Sharma? Does that mean I won our little bet?" Simon asked, wiping down the bar in front of the duo before refilling her glass.
"Bet?! What bet?" Anthony questioned, head flicking between Kate and Simon.
"Do you want to tell him or should I?" Simon asked, looking between the pair.
"I've got it." Kate answered, turning slightly in her chair to face Anthony. "Simon and I have an ongoing bet for all the bets we make. If you accuse me of cheating, Simon wins and I have to down my current drink and the next one.- Speaking of…" Kate paused to down the drink Simon had prepared, a grimace crossing her face. "If you gracefully accept defeat, however," she continued, " I win and Simon pays for the rest of my drinks that evening. So far, I've only won one."
"And that was on a technicality." Simon added, ducking to avoid the coaster Kate had thrown his way. "Okay that- was very unladylike." He chastised, picking the coaster up and chucking it back at her, laughing at her reaction. She scrunched up her nose in annoyance and stuck her tongue out at him, making him laugh even harder.
"I do hope you are not abusing my customers, Mr Bassett." Lady Danbury warned, joining the little group.
"I wouldn't dream of it, Lady Danbury." Simon defended, winking at Kate. "I was merely returning Miss Sharma's property."
"Is that so?" The owner asked slyly, looking around at the trio. "I suppose you've stolen something from Mr Bridgerton as well. He looks like he's contemplating the best way to kill you." Lady Danbury warned, patting Simon on the arm and turning her attention to Kate. Simon turned to Anthony noting straight away the murderous look in his eyes. His hands were clutching his glass tightly, jaw clenched and knuckles turning white as he glared directly at the bartender. Simon also noticed that the space between Anthony and Kate had gotten significantly smaller since he had first joined the group. Before he could say something to break the tension, his boss beat him to it.
"It looks like you have an admirer, Miss Sharma." She commented, gesturing to a gentleman seated a few tables away from the bar.
As Kate turned to look at the man, Simon noticed Anthony's jaw clenching even more, his grasp on the glass tightening.
Simon knew one thing for certain. This was not going to end well.